Because of his offense to Islam. Film 'The Kerala Story ' banned in two states in India.
The Indian state of West Bengal has implemented a ban on the screening of the Indian film titled "The Kerala Story" in order to prevent potential violence and maintain communal harmony.
This film, despite being low-budget and featuring relatively unknown actors, has sparked controversy since its release in Indian theaters on May 5. Interestingly, it has managed to generate substantial revenues.
According to Indian analyst Taran Adarsh's Twitter post, "The Kerala Story" has grossed an impressive $5.5 million. This achievement is noteworthy considering the film's limited production budget and the lesser-known cast.
Furthermore, the availability of tax-free tickets to watch the movie in theaters within the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds power, has significantly contributed to the film's public turnout.
Dramatic misinformation:
The film portrays the journey of three women from Kerala who embraced Islam and joined the Islamic State, depicting events that unfolded amidst controversy. Supporters of the film's release claimed it was based on true stories and had undergone extensive research, while critics argued that the narrative lacked statistical evidence.
The controversy surrounding the film has transcended the realm of cinema and entered the political arena in Kerala. The leader of the congressional party denounced the "Kerala story" as a blatant case of misinformation, asserting that the film aimed to tarnish the state's image. Kerala MP John Brittas took the matter further by writing a letter to Federal Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to take action against the filmmakers.
To prevent potential incidents of hatred and violence and maintain peace within their respective states, both West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the authorities in Tamil Nadu decided to ban the film from being screened. Citing concerns about potential violence and unrest, the state authority in Tamil Nadu expressed apprehension regarding the film's impact.
Numerous calls have been made to ban the film in several Indian states, citing its offensive portrayal of Muslims and its role in spreading sectarian hatred and anti-Muslim propaganda. However, these demands were unsuccessful in Kerala, where the Supreme Court refused to impose a ban on the film.
A governmental film par excellence:
The contentious film has garnered staunch support from the right-wing Hindu government, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi commending it for shedding light on the "consequences of terrorism." Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur emphasized that the film portrayed the true nature of IS.
The Indian newspaper "Hindustan Times" deemed the film as non-offensive towards Islam and Muslims, but rather as a critique of global terrorism. It quoted the film's producer, Vipul Shah, stating that the film was not intended to target Muslims or Islam.
