This post was originally published on here
The MSF views both forced beef bans and forced consumption as human rights violations, advocating for universal religious deference.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Muslim Students Federation (MSF) on Friday called for a public boycott of the upcoming film The Kerala Story 2, while simultaneously denouncing a “beef festival” organised by a rival student group as an affront to Hindu religious sentiments.
C.K. Najaf, the state general secretary of the MSF, the student wing of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), argued that the protest strategy adopted by the Students Federation of India (SFI) could alienate moderate Hindus and vegetarians. The SFI, which is the student arm of the ruling CPM, scheduled the “beef fest” at the city’s Manaveeyam Veedhi at 6 p.m. to counter a specific scene in the movie’s trailer that reportedly depicts a character being force-fed beef.
Najaf contended that the SFI’s response was misguided and potentially offensive to those who avoid beef for personal or religious reasons but are not aligned with right-wing groups like the RSS.
“We should respect those in the Hindu community who do not eat beef,” Najaf stated in a Facebook post. “It is also unacceptable to hurt the sentiments of ordinary Hindu believers to confront the RSS.”
Human Rights and Secularism
The MSF leader framed the issue as a matter of universal human rights, drawing a parallel between mandatory beef bans and the pressure to consume it.
“Just as the beef ban is a violation of human rights, putting people in a situation where they are forced to eat beef is also a violation of human rights,” Najaf wrote. He suggested that if a “pork festival” were held to mock Muslim beliefs, it would be viewed as “anti-religion,” and argued that all faiths deserve equal deference.
Speaking to PTI, Najaf clarified that his criticism aimed to prevent ordinary believers from being branded as communalists simply because they chose not to participate in the SFI event. He urged for a “constructive resistance” through a peaceful boycott rather than provocative public displays.
The Film Controversy
Directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is slated for a theatrical release on Feb. 27. The first instalment of the franchise was a box-office success but drew heavy criticism from Kerala’s political establishment, which labelled it a “propaganda” effort designed to damage the state’s reputation for communal harmony.
Najaf noted that while any government-approved film can be screened or even win awards, as the first part did at the 71st National Film Awards, it does not mandate public viewership.
“We did not oppose ‘The Kerala Story’ because it was an anti-Muslim film. It was opposed because it was a propaganda film against Kerala,” Najaf said. “I do not understand why there is a need to protest against it by holding a beef fest… Boycott the Kerala Story 2.”
With inputs from PTI
Published: 20 Feb 2026, 02:47 pm IST
Related Topics
Read articles on app
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.
