In an exclusive chat with mid-day, Ulka Gupta addresses the controversy around The Kerala Story 2, revealing she received hate messages and even beef recipes after the trailer release. She also reacts to Anurag Kashyap’s dig, saying films are meant to spark debate
Ulka Gupta
The Kerala Story 2, helmed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, stirred controversy within minutes of its trailer release. While some politicians and filmmakers labelled it propaganda and accused it of disturbing Kerala’s social harmony, others took particular offence to a scene involving forced beef consumption. In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, Ulka Gupta, who plays Surekha in the film, opened up about the backlash, the hate flooding her DMs, and how she reacted to sharp reactions from Anurag Kashyap and Prakash Raj.
Ulka Gupta on preparing for her role
Calling the film a long-awaited opportunity, Ulka shared that the role felt like something she had manifested for years. She felt deeply connected not just to her character but to the emotional fabric of the story. She also revealed that she admires Adah Sharma’s work, which served as quiet inspiration while shaping her own performance.
To prepare, she met real-life victims and studied detailed case material. “Initially, I lost my sleep. I felt second-hand trauma after learning about their experiences,” she admitted. “As actors, you have to live the part to portray it truthfully. I had to tap into the bravest parts within me.”
Ulka on receiving hate messages
One of the most debated scenes in the film shows her character being forcefully fed beef by her in-laws. Recalling how she received hate messages for the scene, she shared, “After the trailer release, every time I opened my DMs, there were hate messages,” adding, “People would even post beef recipes under my photos. And it was difficult for me to deal with it because, I'm somebody who confronts, but I had to keep myself low-key.”
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Though she describes herself as someone who usually confronts things directly, she consciously decided to stay low-key. “As actors, we don’t want to get into politics. I never got affected because I knew I had signed up for this and that the hate would come."
While she refrained from mentioning the exact nature of the messages, Ulka shared that some audiences in Kerala were triggered by a few scenes in the trailer. “I got a lot of criticism from Kerala. They did feel very triggered by a few scenes in the trailer. And I still stand by my perception and the character that I’ve portrayed. If it has triggered anyone in the wrong way, I only request them to kindly watch the movie and understand what the motive is. It is not to bring down any state or culture whatsoever. This movie is not about any religion. It is about the psychological manipulation of girls.”
Ulka reacts to stay on film’s release
While the cast was on edge when the release was temporarily halted, Ulka believed the film would ultimately find its audience. She added, “The movie will find its audience, and if it is propaganda, it is up to them to decide. I was just sincerely connected with the story. I was also patient about the fact that the film will react the right audience.”
Ulka on Prakash Raj and Anurag Kahyap's reaction
Reacting to the remarks made by Anurag Kashyap and Prakash Raj, Ulka stated, “If a film doesn’t stir something within you, then what is it really doing? Cinema is meant to provoke thought and spark conversation. Some people will agree, some won’t — and that difference of opinion is the beauty of it.”
On a parting note, she expressed hope that the film ultimately receives love and sparks meaningful reflection.
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