Controversy Surrounding ‘The Kerala Story’

Upon its release in 2023, “The Kerala Story” sparked significant controversy due to its portrayal of religious conversion. The Hindi film, produced by Vipul Shah, depicted women from Kerala being coerced into converting and subsequently recruited by the terrorist group Islamic State (IS). This theme led to accusations of the film being propaganda targeting a specific community, resulting in bans in some states and tax-free status in others.

Recognition at the 71st National Film Awards

Despite the controversy, “The Kerala Story” received two prestigious accolades at the 71st National Film Awards. Sudipto Sen was honored with the Best Director award, while Prasantanu Mohapatra received recognition for Best Cinematography. The awards were presented by the Feature Film Jury of the National Film Awards, chaired by filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker.

Jury’s Perspective on the Awards

Ashutosh Gowariker explained the jury’s decision to award the film despite its contentious nature. He highlighted the cinematography’s stark and realistic approach, which complemented the narrative without overshadowing it. Gowariker emphasized that this artistic choice warranted recognition. Regarding Sudipto Sen’s direction, Gowariker noted that tackling such a challenging topic with clarity was commendable and deserving of applause.

Mixed Reception Across India

“The Kerala Story,” featuring Adah Sharma, faced a mixed reception across India. It was banned in West Bengal and removed from multiplexes in Tamil Nadu due to concerns over law and order. Conversely, states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh granted it tax-free status, reflecting the varied responses to its controversial subject matter.