The duo behind ‘The Kerala Story’, director Sudipto Sen and producer Vipul Shah, announced their next project, ‘Bastar’, on Monday.

‘Bastar’, based on a “true incident,” will be released on April 5, 2024, according to the producers.

The announcement was made on Twitter by Shah’s Sunshine Pictures, the production company behind the upcoming film.

“We’re revealing our next, #Bastar.” Prepare to be moved by yet another riveting true story that will leave you speechless. Put April 5, 2024, on your calendar! “#VipulAmrutlalShah @sudiptoSENtlm @Aashin_A_Shah #SunshinePictures #SunshinePictures,” the production company said in a tweet.

‘The Kerala Story’ polarised the country’s political discourse by depicting how Kerala women were forced to convert and recruited by the terror group Islamic State (IS), PTI reported from Mumbai.

It was released on May 5, directed by Sen, and produced by Shah.

The film, which became one of the most successful at the box office, earning over Rs 200 crore in reported earnings, was banned by the West Bengal government, which feared communal tensions. Tamil Nadu theatres had decided to halt screenings due to the law-and-order situation and low attendance.

It also received tax-free status in BJP-ruled states such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana.

‘The Kerala Story’ starred Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani and Siddhi Idnani002E