Behind the silver screen glamour of ‘The Kerala Story,’ a storm of emotions unfolded on set. Adah Sharma, the film’s fierce protagonist, shared a heart-wrenching anecdote about the ‘telephone scene’ that left the entire production team in tears.
In this gut-punching sequence, Adah’s character makes a desperate call amid rising terror. Drawing from documented cases of love jihad and conversions in Kerala, the scene was scripted to evoke sheer helplessness. ‘The moment I picked up that prop phone, reality blurred with the role,’ Adah told reporters during a promotional event.
The director pushed for unfiltered performances, using minimal cuts to capture genuine reactions. As Adah’s sobs echoed through the set, technicians paused, lights dimmed emotionally, and soon, tears flowed freely. ‘It was like we were living the nightmare,’ she said, crediting the immersive preparation.
This wasn’t rehearsed melodrama; it stemmed from deep research into victims’ stories. The crew, many from Kerala, felt a personal connection. One assistant director later confessed it reignited his faith in impactful cinema.
The incident underscores ‘The Kerala Story’s’ provocative edge, which grossed millions despite backlash. Adah emphasized that such moments validated their mission: to spotlight hidden societal wounds. Today, as the film endures legal battles and acclaim, this tale humanizes the team’s unyielding commitment.