Rahul Gandhi Says ‘Nobody Is Watching’ The Kerala Story 2; Manoj Tiwari’s Wife Defends Film – Woman’s era Magazine
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has stirred a fresh political debate after commenting on the recently released film The Kerala Story 2, claiming that “nobody is watching” the movie. His remark quickly drew reactions from political circles as well as the entertainment industry, with Manoj Tiwari’s wife Surbhi Tiwari stepping forward to defend the film against allegations of propaganda.
Rahul Gandhi’s comment came during a public interaction where he criticised the film and suggested that audiences were not interested in the project. His statement echoed concerns raised earlier by several critics who have argued that the film carries a political narrative. The sequel to the controversial 2023 film The Kerala Story has already been at the centre of intense debate over its portrayal of social and political themes.
Soon after Gandhi’s remarks gained traction online, Surbhi Tiwari responded in defence of the film. She rejected the claim that the movie was a piece of propaganda and insisted that it highlights issues that deserve public attention. According to her, dismissing the film outright without understanding its content undermines the effort of the filmmakers and the stories they are trying to present.
Speaking about the criticism surrounding the film, Surbhi said that calling the project propaganda was unfair. She argued that films often reflect perspectives and narratives that may be uncomfortable but still deserve to be heard. In her view, audiences should watch the film before forming an opinion rather than relying solely on political statements or social media discourse.
The debate surrounding The Kerala Story 2 is part of a larger pattern that has followed the franchise since its first instalment. The original film had generated strong reactions from both supporters and critics, with some praising it for addressing sensitive issues while others accused it of spreading misinformation and promoting a divisive narrative.
The sequel has continued to attract similar attention, with political leaders and commentators weighing in on its themes and relevance. Supporters argue that the film attempts to raise awareness about certain social realities, while critics believe it simplifies complex issues and risks reinforcing stereotypes.
Rahul Gandhi’s remark that the film is not drawing audiences quickly circulated on social media, where supporters of the Congress leader echoed his criticism. At the same time, supporters of the film pushed back, pointing to the attention it has received and urging viewers to judge the film based on its content rather than political commentary.
Manoj Tiwari, a BJP Member of Parliament and well-known singer-actor, has not personally issued a detailed response to the controversy surrounding the film. However, his wife’s defence of the project has added another dimension to the ongoing debate, highlighting how the conversation around The Kerala Story 2 now extends beyond cinema into political discourse.
The controversy reflects the increasingly blurred boundaries between cinema and politics in India, where films addressing social themes often become subjects of ideological debate. In such cases, statements by political leaders and public figures tend to amplify discussions around a film’s intent and impact.
