The Kerala Story, a Hindi movie that generated more controversy finally released into theatres after a High Court in Thiruvananthapuram cleared for public view. Now it is to be seen how the audience will receive it. This puts an end to protests and supportive arguments about the film.
A HC division bench comprising Justices Nagaresh and Mohammed Nias CP watched the trailer of the movie and cleared it saying that there nothing objectionable or against Islam in the film. “What is there is there in the film which calls for ban on it? It is just another movie based on fictional depiction of issues in contemporary world,” they said.
A major part of the controversy surrounded the claims of the movie – as mentioned in its trailer – that as many as 32,000 women from Kerala, both Hindus and Christians – were trapped by ISIS terrorists, in the name of love and marriage. Later, these women were used for terror purpose in Syria and Turkey.
Directed by Sudipto Sen, this film claims to be based on some real incidents and made on statements by at least two women, who fallen victims of ISIS operatives. Producer Vipul Amritlal Shah too lent to the story writing. Many in the Opposition parties feared that the movie would be used by ruling BJP for its propaganda like Kashmir Files movie.
Actual figures too low
The opponents of the film say that the actual figures of women from Kerala who went to ISIS areas is far less – from 60-70, not as claimed by the movie. Even Government of India’s official records too show the total number of people who joined ISIS from 2018-2021 were less than 100.
As a result, the court directed the film makers to remove the claim of “32,000 women like us” line from trailer, as well as the movie. Whether this film will have any impact ongoing Karnataka assembly elections is to be seen. However, PM Narendra Modi mentioned the film and said it showed how certain elements tried to weaken India.
Whatever may be the controversy, film got good reviews for performance of heroine Adah Sharma, Yogia Bihani, Sonia Balani and Siddi Idnani. Music is by Viresh Sreevatsa and editing by Sanjay Sharma. Its commercial success will decide its popularity charts in the next few days.
