Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed objection to Doordarshan’s decision to telecast the film ‘The Kerala Story’. In response, the film’s director, Sudipto Sen, defended the project, stating, “Since our childhood our parents and teachers taught us that… only wrong people are scared of truth. All their efforts are to prevent truth to reach people.”
Sen further claimed that the establishment has been concealing the truth, saying, “They have hidden the scary truth. Our film exposed the sinister global terror network active in India. So, some of them are angry with us – without watching the film, they are trying to discredit us.” He emphasized that the film’s primary objective was to expose the ISIS and other radical groups posing a threat to the country. “We have nothing against any religion. Because, in ‘their’ language, terrorism has no religion,” Sen added.
Despite the controversy, the film received positive reviews following its OTT release. ‘The Kerala Story’ gained attention for its compelling narrative, even with a modest budget of Rs 15-20 crore. The film’s global earnings crossed Rs 300 crore nationwide. Adah Sharma’s standout performance in a leading role, supported by Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, Siddhi Idnani, and Devadarshini, was praised by critics and audiences alike.
The film’s plot revolves around four young college girls who are manipulated and coerced into joining ISIS. The portrayal of approximately 32,000 women from Kerala being converted to Islam and taken to Syria and Iraq in the film has sparked controversy and ignited political discussions.
In related news, actress Adah Sharma responded to criticism for attending an Iftar party. She asserted, “‘Terrorists are villains not Muslims’. I have nothing against any religion.” Adah Sharma, who has been lauded for her role in ‘The Kerala Story’, remarked that she is not concerned about being part of the ‘A’ list in Bollywood, stating her only job is to give her best performance.
