The Kerala Story” Film Sparks Controversy and Success

The Kerala Story” film grosses Rs 68.86 crore in 6 days despite negative reviews. The film sheds light on the issue of young Hindu women being converted and recruited by IS in Kerala.

Written by: Krutarth Ghosalkar

Edited by: Krutarth Ghosalkar

Last Updated: 2023-05-11 11:45:26

“The Kerala Story,” a recently released film, has been causing quite a stir. Despite receiving negative reviews from critics, it has grossed an impressive Rs 68.86 crore in just six days. The film’s director, Sudipto Sen, has been praised for shedding light on the issue of young Hindu women being converted and recruited by the terrorist group Islamic State (IS) in Kerala. The film’s box office success has been remarkable, with its collections increasing each day. On Sunday, it earned a little over Rs 16 crore and on Wednesday, it earned its highest figures yet with an impressive Rs 12 crore India nett. “The Kerala Story” has even outperformed big films from the last two years such as “Laal Singh Chaddha,” “Selfiee,” and “Shehzada,” and has earned more than three times as much as “Ponniyin Selvan 2” in the Hindi market.

The film’s success can be attributed to the support of the ruling BJP government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi even mentioned it in a recent speech, giving it exposure despite negative reviews. It has been made tax-free in states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana but it is banned in West Bengal. The cast and crew of “The Kerala Story” recently met with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to discuss the film’s story and praised his government’s efforts to curb ‘love jihad’ and forced religious conversion through the Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020.The meeting with Yogi Adityanath has added to the controversy surrounding the film, with opposition parties accusing the filmmakers of spreading hate. However, “The Kerala Story” continues to succeed at the box office and its impact on the conversation surrounding religious conversion and terrorism remains to be seen.