The release of the controversial film ‘The Kerala Story’ has been causing quite a stir across India. Now it faces no screening blockade in Tamil Nadu. The movie, which is said to be based on true events, tells the story of how several women from Kerala allegedly converted and left their homes to join ISIS fighters in West Asia. However, the film’s release has drawn a polarized reaction, with critics including Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan dismissing it as propaganda while others, including members of the BJP, defend it as a message.
The film’s screening in Tamil Nadu multiplex theatres has been halted since yesterday, citing poor response and potential law-and-order problems stemming from warnings from intelligence services. Ahead of the release, intelligence services in Tamil Nadu had warned the state government of potential law-and-order problems stemming from protests against the movie. The Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) in Tamil Nadu on Saturday staged a protest against the release of ‘The Kerala Story’ in Chennai.
The Naam Tamilar Party cadres headed by its organiser, actor and director Seeman, started protests in the Chennai Anna Nagar Arch near Skywalk Mall in Chennai against the movie. Following Seeman’s call for protest, cadres of NTK held a protest inside the theatre against the screening of The Kerala Story and were later detained by the police.
Party cadres were holding the Naam Thamizhar Katchi flag and were raising slogans to ban the movie. Seeman also appealed to the theatre owners not to run the film ‘The Kerala Story’ and urged people not to watch the movie, reported ANI.
Seeman had earlier announced protests claiming that The Kerala Story is against the Muslim community and demanded that the Puducherry and Tamil Nadu governments should ban its screening. A controversy erupted after the trailer of ‘The Kerala Story’ was out and it claimed that 32,000 girls from the state went missing and later joined the terrorist group, ISIS.
Despite the controversy, the Kerala high court has refused to stay the release of the multi-lingual film, stating that the trailer does not contain anything offensive to any particular community as a whole.
Controversy Hit The Kerala Story Hits Wall in Kerala and TN
The film, directed by Mahesh Srikant, The Kerala Story has been embroiled in controversy ever since its trailer was released. The trailer claimed that 32,000 girls from the state of Kerala went missing and later joined the terrorist group, ISIS. This claim has been met with criticism and skepticism from many, including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who dismissed the movie as propaganda. However, the film’s supporters argue that it is an important message to the public, highlighting the issue of radicalization and the danger of joining extremist groups.
The film’s screening in Tamil Nadu multiplex theatres has been halted since yesterday, citing poor response and potential law-and-order problems stemming from warnings from intelligence services. The state government of Tamil Nadu had received intelligence reports warning of potential law-and-order problems stemming from protests against the movie.
The Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) in Tamil Nadu on Saturday staged a protest against the release of ‘The Kerala Story’ in Chennai. The Naam Tamilar Party cadres headed by its organiser, actor and director Seeman, started protests in the Chennai Anna Nagar Arch near Skywalk Mall in Chennai against the movie.
The controversy surrounding the film “The Kerala Story” has sparked widespread debate across India. Many have questioned the accuracy of the movie’s claims, with some calling for a ban on the movie’s screening. However, others argue that the film should be allowed to be shown, as it highlights an important issue that affects many across the country.
Despite the controversy, “The Kerala Story” has managed to spark an important conversation about the factors that lead to radicalization and the impact it has on families and communities. While the film’s accuracy and intention may be up for debate, it is clear that the issue of radicalization and extremism must be addressed in a sensitive and nuanced way.
It is important to remember that not all Muslims or members of any particular community support extremist ideologies, and it is unfair to make sweeping generalizations about any group of people. As we continue to grapple with the issue of radicalization and terrorism, it is crucial that we strive for greater understanding, empathy, and dialogue.