Preface
The Kerala Story is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language thriller film directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Shah that stars Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani, Pranay Pachuri, and Chandra Shekhar Dutta[1]. The film was released earlier this year on the 5th of May.
The film claims to be based on the alleged “love jihad” cases in Kerala, where Hindu and Christian women are allegedly lured into marriage with Muslim men and then converted to Islam. The film follows the story of three women who are targeted by Muslim men and eventually join the terrorist organisation of the Islamic State, also known as ISIS.
The Kerala Story is a film that has received praise and criticism. Some have praised the film for its gritty realism and its unflinching portrayal of the dangers of radicalisation. Others have criticised it for its Islamophobia and simplistic portrayal of complex and nuanced issues[2]. Whether people like it or hate it, one thing is for sure, and that is this film is not afraid to stir up controversy.
The Controversy in Question
So what is the controversy about? The film has been in the public eye and has been criticised even before its release. The trailer was criticised for claiming that 32,000 women from Kerala had gone missing and had joined the Islamic State[3] when sources of the US and India’s own National Investigation Agency put only 66 to 168 being somewhat affiliated with the terrorist group[4]. These questionable figures were repeatedly cited in media interviews and promotions for the film. In a rather surprising turn of events, the film’s director later withdrew the contentious figure and said that the film was based on the stories of three women[5].
Even before the film’s release, when questioned about these figures multiple times, the director had avoided answering these questions by stating that he’d only answer them after it would get released to the public.
The film has also been criticised for its portrayal of Islam and Muslims. Critics have accused it of promoting Islamophobia and fanning communal tensions. The film was banned in West Bengal (which was eventually lifted by the Supreme Court), while subsequent bans were revoked in Karnataka and Kerala. Meanwhile, screenings of it were cancelled in Tamil Nadu theatres due to “fear of communal violence”[6].
Additionally, it has been accused of being a propaganda piece with distorting facts. For example, it claims the existence of the “Love Jihad” conspiracy in Kerala, a term used to describe the alleged practice of Muslim men marrying Hindu women to convert them to Islam. However, no sufficient evidence exists to support this claim[7].
However, not all controversies were regarding the faux in the movie. The ban mentioned earlier has also been condemned as an infringement upon the freedom of expression. Additionally, the screening of these films was met with protests and demonstrations in several states by both sides of the spectrum. Although these protests have largely been peaceful, there have been reports of violence breaking out[7].
Impact on the Average Indian
Despite, or rather due to, the film’s controversial stance, it has been a commercial success. The film has grossed over 250 crores at the box office. The controversy surrounding “The Kerala Story” is another reflection of the long-existing deep divisions in Indian society, based on religion. Taking parallel from the famed ‘divide and conquer’ technique of the colonial British, it seems to have made a fancy, yet ironic, return with the BJP’s strategy in India, reinforced by “propaganda” films such as the one in the discussion here. To add to this proposition is the fact that this has been declared tax-free in four BJP-led states. The film seems to have tapped into a growing sense of fear and anxiety among Hindu nationalists about the ‘threat’ of Islam, and how Hindus stand on the brink of being ‘overpowered’. The film has also been used by Hindu nationalist groups and certain political institutions to further their political agenda, as can be seen in the timing of the film’s release, which just so happened to be at a time of rigorous campaigning for Karnataka state elections[9]. Political figures in India including the Prime Minister, have been instigating people to go and watch this extremist, exaggerated piece of media. The controversy surrounding The Kerala Story is a reminder of the power of cinema, and any form of art, to shape public opinion. The film has the potential to inflame communal tensions and promote Islamophobia. As a responsible citizen, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers, and the inspiration behind the birth of such films and to critically evaluate their content before, or after watching.
Ultimately, only time will tell the long-term impacts of this film. While it may have a positive impact by raising awareness of the dangers of radicalisation, it can have a negative impact by fueling Islamophobia and exacerbating communal tensions, thus widening the crack in the secularity of our nation.
Takeaway
The film has sparked yet another debate about the dangers of radicalisation and the role of religion in society. It adds more fuel to the flare of increased fear and anxiety among some Indian citizens, particularly those who identify as Muslims. In the end, whether or not you enjoy this film will depend on your perspective on the issue. One thing is clear, and that is a film that will be discussed for years to come. The Kerala Story is a movie that will make you think, even if it doesn’t always make you comfortable.
Article by: Siddhant Jagdish
PES Mun Society, RR Campus