Thiruvananthapuram, India — The Kerala Story emerged as a prominent recipient at the 71st National Film Awards, claiming honors for Best Director and Best Cinematography. However, the film’s celebration was overshadowed by political turmoil, as Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the award jury’s decision.
The film, directed by Sudipto Sen and featuring Adah Sharma, sparked intense debates upon its release on May 5, 2023. It is centered on contentious themes of religious conversions in Kerala. Vijayan, a vocal opponent of the film, took to social media following the awards announcement to express his outrage. He alleged that honoring the film adds credibility to a “divisive” narrative often associated with the ideological underpinnings of the Sangh Parivar.
In his statements, the Chief Minister accused the National Film Awards jury of endorsing a film that disseminates what he termed “blatant misinformation.” He claimed that the jury’s decision tarnishes Kerala’s reputation and promotes communal discord. “This decision is a significant insult to the rich tradition of Indian cinema, which has long championed religious harmony and unity among citizens,” Vijayan remarked.
The Chief Minister further argued that such accolades contribute to a broader agenda that aims to weaponize cinema as a tool for communal conflict. He urged the populace, particularly the people of Kerala, to vocally resist what he described as an attempt to politicize art for divisive ends.
The Kerala Story, hailed by some as a commercial success, faced substantial backlash from various quarters, including allegations from political opponents that the film falsely claims that 32,000 women from Kerala were coerced into terrorism or sold into sexual slavery by extremist groups. This prompted significant protests and even led to a ban on the film’s screenings in West Bengal, under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s administration.
As the debate surrounding the film continues, it highlights the ongoing tensions in India’s cultural and political landscape, where art often becomes a battleground for competing ideologies.
The awards ceremony, intended to celebrate cinematic achievement, has instead sparked a significant discourse on freedom of expression, representation in film, and the societal responsibilities of filmmakers within a diverse nation.
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