The release of the trailer for The Kerala Story 2, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, ignited a wave of controversy almost instantly. While some critics, including politicians and filmmakers, accused the film of being propaganda that disrupts Kerala’s social fabric, others were particularly riled by a scene depicting forced beef consumption. In an exclusive interview with mid-day, Ulka Gupta, portraying Surekha in the film, opened up about the backlash, the hate messages flooding her direct messages, and her responses to sharp critiques from Anurag Kashyap and Prakash Raj.
Ulka Gupta on Embracing Her Role
Ulka described the film as a long-awaited chance, revealing that the role felt like something she had been manifesting for years. She expressed a profound connection not only to her character but also to the emotional essence of the storyline. Ulka shared her admiration for Adah Sharma’s work, which served as a subtle inspiration for her own performance.
To prepare for her role, she engaged with real-life victims and delved into detailed case studies. “Initially, I struggled to sleep. The stories I encountered caused me second-hand trauma,” she confessed. “As actors, we need to embody our characters to convey their truth. I had to reach into the bravest parts of myself.”
Ulka on the Hate Messages
One of the film’s most discussed moments features her character being force-fed beef by her in-laws. Reflecting on the backlash, she recounted, “After the trailer dropped, my DMs were filled with hate messages. Some people even posted beef recipes under my photos. It was tough for me to handle because I’m someone who usually confronts issues directly, but I had to maintain a low profile.”
Although she typically addresses challenges head-on, Ulka made a conscious choice to stay out of the political fray. “As actors, we aim to avoid political entanglements. I wasn’t affected because I understood the repercussions of my choices and anticipated the hate.”
While she didn’t delve into the specifics of the messages, Ulka noted that certain scenes in the trailer resonated negatively with some viewers in Kerala. “I received considerable criticism from Kerala. A few scenes triggered strong reactions. Nevertheless, I stand by my portrayal and perspective. If anyone felt triggered, I kindly urge them to watch the movie to grasp its true intent. It’s not about undermining any state or culture; it’s about the psychological manipulation of young women.”
Ulka on the Film’s Release
When the film’s release faced temporary delays, Ulka remained optimistic, believing the film would eventually reach its audience. “This movie will find its viewers, and if it’s deemed propaganda, that’s for the audience to decide. I feel a genuine connection to the story and trust it will resonate with the right people.”
Ulka on the Reactions from Prakash Raj and Anurag Kashyap
Addressing comments from Anurag Kashyap and Prakash Raj, Ulka remarked, “If a film doesn’t evoke any feelings, what is its purpose? Cinema should provoke thought and ignite discussions. Some viewers will agree, while others won’t — and that diversity of opinion is what makes it beautiful.”
In closing, she expressed her hope that the film would be embraced and inspire meaningful reflection.