The Kerala Story, a movie produced and directed by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, has sparked huge controversy ahead of its release. The movie focuses on the radicalization of women in Kerala and forced religious conversions. Reportedly, the movie claims that when ISIS was at its peak, some 32,000 women were converted to Islam. The movie also asserts that many women were also sent to Syria.
However, after the film’s trailer was released, it faced a huge backlash from various sections of society. Some people even submitted petitions to the Supreme Court asking for a stay on its release. They claimed that the movie promoted hate speech and propaganda. However, despite objections and requests, the Supreme Court declined to get involved and upheld the board’s certification of the movie.
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The Kerala Story trailer changed from being the story of 32,000 women to that of 3 girls
The movie’s teaser on YouTube has also drawn controversy; after pushback, the description was changed from “heartbreaking and gut-wrenching stories of 32,000 females in Kerala…” to “true stories of three young girls from Kerala.”
The controversy has drawn condemnation from a number of different sources. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the movie as “propaganda” by “the Sangh Parivar.”
Not only this, but Shashi Tharoor, has also accused the film’s creators of exaggerating and distorting the truth about the state
Tharoor shared the post by “Muslim Youth League Kerala State Committee” which claims to give prize of Rs. 1 crore to anyone who can demonstrate that 32,000 women in Kerala were pushed into becoming Muslims. Taking to Twitter, he wrote,
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Now there’s an opportunity for all those hyping the alleged conversions of 32,000 women in Kerala to Islamism — to prove their case and make some money. Will they be up to the challenge or is there simply no proof because none exists? #NotOurKeralaStory
Now there’s an opportunity for all those hyping the alleged conversions of 32,000 women on Kerala to Islamism — to prove their case and make some money. Will they be up to the challenge or is there simply no proof because none exists? #NotOurKeralaStory pic.twitter.com/SrwaMx556H
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 1, 2023
His tweet went viral and got lots of reactions. However, one reaction that catches everyone’s attention comes from the official Twitter handle of renowned filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri.
Vivek Agnihotri supports the release of The Kerala Story
Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, who is renowned for his fierce ideas and iconic films, has recently supported The Kerala Story. He slammed INC politician Shashi Tharoor’s tweet and wrote,
Dear Mr. @ShashiTharoor & Company, If you attack a film without seeing it, you are neither an honest & fair person nor a free speech & democratic person. #TheKeralaStory
Dear Mr. @ShashiTharoor & Company,
If you attack a film without seeing it, you are neither an honest & fair person nor a free speech & democratic person. #TheKeralaStory https://t.co/EXkQ7DXoQC
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) May 2, 2023
Agnihotri’s tweet has attracted a lot of reactions. Many people slammed him for supporting the controversial movie.
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Meanwhile, the movie’s makers have reaffirmed that the 32,000 figure is accurate and that the movie is based on real events. Despite the controversy, The Kerala Story is scheduled for release on May 5. Additionally, its topic is anticipated to provoke more discussion and debate.
Watch The Kerala Story trailer below
Also read: Vivek Agnihotri’s Response To Shashi Tharoor Over Mughals Tweet Is Something You Cannot Miss
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