The highly controversial film, “The Kerala Story,” starring Adah Sharma, has been embroiled in controversy even before its release. On the day of its scheduled release, several districts in Kerala have decided to cancel screenings of the movie due to the backlash it has received.
In Kochi, two previously scheduled shows have been canceled, with theatre owners at Lulu Mall and Centre Square Mall opting to boycott the film. In addition to Kochi, theatres in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Kannur, and Wayanad districts have also made the decision not to screen the movie.
This move comes amidst mounting pressure from various groups and individuals who have taken issue with the film’s content. Many have criticized the movie for its portrayal of the state of Kerala and its people, claiming that it promotes negative stereotypes and misrepresentations.
The film’s controversial subject matter has also sparked outrage among certain religious and political groups. In particular, members of the Hindu Aikya Vedi, a right-wing organization, have taken exception to a scene in the film that allegedly portrays a Hindu god in an unflattering light. They have called for a boycott of the movie and threatened to disrupt screenings.
Controversy Over The Kerala Story: Boycott Demands by Liberals, Support from Nationalists, Artists, and Filmmakers
The Kerala Story is not the first film to come under fire in Kerala. In recent years, several other movies have faced similar controversies, with some even being banned outright. However, the producers of The Kerala Story have insisted that the film is a work of fiction and should be judged as such.
Despite the controversy, the film has received support from some quarters. Many artists, Nationalists, artists, and filmmakers have come out in defense of the movie, arguing that it should be allowed to be screened without interference. They have criticized those who seek to ban or boycott the film, arguing that such actions only serve to stifle free speech and artistic expression.
As of now, it remains unclear whether the cancellations will have any impact on the movie’s overall box-office performance. However, the controversy surrounding the film is likely to continue to generate discussion and debate in Kerala and beyond.
PM Modi accuses Congress of “submitting to terrorism”, expresses support for “The Kerala Story”
The Hindi movie “The Kerala Story” receives support from PM Narendra Modi who accuses the Congress of succumbing to terrorism and hindering the movie’s screening to secure their vote bank. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the anti-human and regressive nature of terrorism, which has been a long-standing issue for India and the world. The Prime Minister’s criticism of the Congress occurred during a BJP election campaign.
The Prime Minister praised the movie for exposing the terrorist plots being developed in a state known for its hardworking, talented, and intellectual population. He emphasized that his party has always been tough on terrorism, while Congress has historically become uncomfortable whenever the government acted against it. The BJP’s manifesto includes a plan to make Karnataka the number one state, whereas the Congress manifesto only calls for bans. The Congress has become a slave to its vote bank and appeasement politics, according to the PM, who even referred to the controversy surrounding the opposition party’s promise to ban the Bajrang Dal in its election manifesto.
Theatre Owners in Tamil Nadu Refuse to Screen “The Kerala Story”
A spokesperson for the Theatre Owners’ Association stated to news channels that their decision to stop screening “The Kerala Story” in multiplexes was due to concerns over law and order, which was affecting the income of other films being shown.
The film “The Kerala Story Film” has not been banned by the Tamil Nadu government, and currently, the film “Ponniyin Selvan 2” is performing well at the box office. Red Giant Movies, which has close links with the ruling DMK, is the major distributor of the film in Tamil Nadu.
The decision to stop screening the film was made by the Theatre Owners’ Association due to concerns about law and order. This move came after the Madras High Court dismissed a plea seeking a ban on the film earlier this week.
Muslim organizations have alleged that the film exaggerates claims that 32,000 Hindu and Christian women in Kerala have joined ISIS, and have sought a ban on the film. Meanwhile, right-wing groups want the film to be screened, claiming it is authentic.
The ruling Left Front in Kerala has accused the film of spreading communal hatred and presenting a false portrayal of the state. They allege that there is an ulterior motive behind the film. The opposition Congress party also shares this view.
The film’s producers faced criticism for wrongly projecting facts after a promo claimed that 32,000 women from Kerala had joined ISIS. The promo has since been changed to “true stories of three young girls from different parts of Kerala.”
