Mumbai: Controversy surrounding the recently released film 'The Kerala Story' is intensifying as political figures across India criticize the portrayal of terrorism in the movie, particularly its linking with Islam and the Kerala state as the field of nurturing terrorists.
NCP leader Jitendra Awhad called for the producer of the film to be publicly hanged, citing defamation of the state of Kerala and its women.
The film has received support from the Bharatiya Janata Party, with saffron party-ruled states Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh declaring it tax-free. However, the West Bengal government has banned the movie, citing concerns over maintaining peace and avoiding incidents of "hatred and violence" in the state.
Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the producer of the film, has vowed to pursue legal options against the West Bengal government's decision to ban the movie. The ban has intensified the TMC-BJP slugfest in the state, with both parties trading accusations over the decision.
The Sudipto Sen-directed film tells the story of three women who are trafficked to ISIS camps after being converted to Islam through marriage. The movie has faced backlash, with some saying it portrays the Muslim community in a negative light.
Mumbai Police provided security to a crew member of the film after they received a threatening message from an unknown number. Police have yet to receive a written complaint, and no FIR has been registered.
The controversy surrounding the film has intensified, with the Supreme Court set to hear a petition against the Kerala High Court's decision not to stay the film's release. The high court ruled that the film's trailer did not contain anything offensive to any particular community as a whole.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke in support of the film, saying it exposed the consequences of terrorism in society. He criticized the Congress party for trying to ban the movie and supporting terror elements. Meanwhile, Nadda, on the other hand, watched the film in a special screening in Bengaluru.
The controversy surrounding 'The Kerala Story' highlights the sensitivity around portrayals of terrorism in popular media. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the film will face further censorship or legal action.