Controversy Surrounds “The Kerala Story” as Political Criticism and Ban Attempts Mount

Adah Sharma‘s film “The Kerala Story” has achieved a remarkable box office milestone within just five days of its release. However, the movie is not without its share of controversy, as it faces criticism from a section of politicians and intellectuals. Activists and critics have accused the filmmakers of mishandling a sensitive subject, questioning the authenticity of their portrayal. The film revolves around the alleged conversion and recruitment of Malayali girls by ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has even gone so far as to announce a ban on the movie, labelling it as a “distorted story.” In response, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah has stated that he will take legal action if the film is indeed banned in the state. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and veteran actress Shabana Azmi have also expressed their views on the matter.

Anurag Kashyap took to Twitter to voice his opposition to the ban, sharing a quote by French writer Voltaire: “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” He emphasized that regardless of personal opinions on the film, banning it is simply wrong. Kashyap further suggested that if people want to combat propaganda, they should watch the movie and make their voices heard, reinforcing the right way to fight against differing viewpoints.

Shabana Azmi, a respected veteran actress and Padma Bhushan recipient, also spoke out against calls to ban “The Kerala Story.” In a tweet, she compared the ban attempts to previous calls to ban Aamir Khan’s film “Laal Singh Chaddha,” asserting that once a film has been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification, no extra-constitutional authority has the right to impose a ban.

“The Kerala Story” was released in theatres on May 5, 2023, and has already amassed an impressive box office collection of Rs 56 Crore. While the film continues to captivate audiences, the controversy surrounding it raises questions about freedom of expression and the role of censorship in artistic endeavours.

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