The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond collected approximately Rs. 75 lakh nett on Friday, despite facing significant release hurdles earlier in the day. The film’s screening had initially been stayed by the Kerala High Court on Thursday, casting uncertainty over its theatrical debut. However, the order was reversed around midday on Friday, clearing the path for the film to release — albeit several hours into what would typically be its opening day.
Because of the delayed clearance, cinemas were only able to begin screenings from 6 PM onward, with some locations scheduling shows even later in the evening. Under normal circumstances, a Friday release benefits from a full day of screenings starting in the morning. In this case, the truncated window effectively turned Friday into what could be considered a paid preview rather than a conventional opening day.
Given these last-minute developments, trade analysts believe the film performed reasonably well. Collecting Rs. 75 lakh nett in just a few evening shows indicates that there is at least initial curiosity among audiences. While the figure may appear modest compared to standard opening day expectations, it gains significance when viewed in context. A half-day release with limited showtimes rarely allows for substantial box office accumulation.
The sequel follows in the footsteps of the 2023 blockbuster The Kerala Story, which opened strongly at Rs. 6 crore nett and eventually amassed approximately Rs. 230 crore nett at the domestic box office. The original film became one of the most talked-about releases of its year, generating both commercial success and intense debate. Often described as a propaganda film, it was noted for presenting its subject matter in a direct and unapologetic manner rather than adopting a subtle narrative approach.
Despite — or perhaps because of — the controversy, the film resonated with a sizable section of the audience, particularly in the Hindi-speaking belt. Within trade circles, it was even remarked that in some regions the film played almost like an educational feature, drawing repeat footfalls and sustained engagement over several weeks.
Whether the sequel can replicate even a portion of that success remains uncertain. The market for politically charged or issue-based films has cooled somewhat since its peak in 2022 and 2023. Several similar projects have experienced diminishing returns compared to their predecessors. For example, The Bengal Files reportedly saw a noticeable drop in performance compared to the earlier wave of high-performing, theme-driven releases.
That said, the trailer for The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond was received with interest and appeared to strike a more impactful tone than some recent comparable titles. Early promotional material suggested a strong narrative thrust designed to engage the film’s established audience base. However, box office outcomes for such films can be unpredictable, as they often depend heavily on word-of-mouth and audience mobilization.
Importantly, the sequel does not necessarily need to match the extraordinary figures of its predecessor to be considered successful. Even achieving half — or potentially less — of the original’s Rs. 230 crore nett total could still qualify as a strong commercial outcome, particularly if production costs have been managed efficiently.
The circumstances surrounding its opening suggest there is a degree of audience interest. The true test will come over the weekend, when the film receives full-day screenings and a clearer picture of footfall trends emerges. Saturday and Sunday collections will provide stronger indicators of whether the film can build sustained momentum.
From a release calendar standpoint, the sequel also benefits from a relatively open corridor at the box office. It faces limited direct competition until the arrival of Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic on March 19. This window offers an opportunity to consolidate collections and capitalize on its target demographic without immediate pressure from major new releases.
If the film manages to gain traction among its core audience, it could maintain a steady run in cinemas over the coming weeks. For now, all eyes are on the weekend numbers, which will determine whether The Kerala Story 2 can translate early curiosity into sustained box office momentum.
