The Kerala Story: A Controversial Film on Love Jihad and Forced Religious Conversion

 Why "The Kerala Story" was banned in Many parts of India?

The Kerala Story" is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language political thriller film directed by Sudipto Sen. The film's subject matter revolves around the alleged love jihad and forced religious conversions in Kerala. It has faced bans in various states of India, including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

The captivating film "Directed by Sudipto Sen and written by Suryapal Singh, Sudipto Sen, and Vipul Amrutlal Shah" features an impressive ensemble cast including Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani. 

The visually stunning cinematography by Prasantanu Mohapatra and skillful editing by Sanjay Sharma enhance the film's allure. The mesmerizing music, composed by Viresh Sreevalsa and Bishakh Jyoti, adds depth and emotion to the storyline. Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah under Sunshine Pictures, the film made its highly anticipated debut in India on 5 May 2023. 

With a runtime of 138 minutes, the Hindi-language production received critical acclaim and triumphed at the box office, grossing an impressive ₹201.7 crore (US$25 million) worldwide. The film was made within an estimated budget of ₹15–20 crore (US $1.8–2.4 million).

The Kerala Story Movie Poster

Image credit: Wikipedia

Creative commons license

The Reason for ban "The Kerala Story

The reasons for the ban differ from state to state. West Bengal's government claims the film could disturb communal harmony, while Tamil Nadu considers it misleading and potentially disruptive to law and order. In Kerala, the film is accused of being defamatory and hurting the sentiments of the Muslim community.

Critics and audiences have expressed mixed opinions about the film. Some commend its audacity in addressing a sensitive issue, while others criticize alleged inaccuracies and its potential to incite communal violence.

The ban on "The Kerala Story" has ignited a debate on freedom of expression and the state's role in regulating film content. Supporters of freedom of expression view the ban as a violation of rights, while others argue it is necessary to maintain communal harmony and prevent law and order issues.

The Supreme Court has temporarily lifted the ban in West Bengal, declaring it unconstitutional on the surface. The court has requested the West Bengal government to respond to the petition challenging the ban.

The film's future remains uncertain. It may face bans in other states, or it could potentially be released in other regions once the Supreme Court reviews the petition contesting the ban.