FridayOL

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has fiercely condemned the National Film Award conferred upon Sudipto Sen’s controversial film, 'The Kerala Story'. He labelled the decision as a “grave insult” to the state, sparking a wave of criticism from across the political spectrum. Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan echoed these sentiments, further amplifying the backlash against the award.

The 71st National Film Awards, announced on August 1st, saw 'The Kerala Story' receive the award for 'Best Story Writing'. This sparked immediate and widespread outrage in Kerala, with many questioning the selection process and the film’s narrative.

The Controversy Around 'The Kerala Story'

Released earlier this year, 'The Kerala Story' portrays a fictional narrative of three women from Kerala who are allegedly converted to Islam and recruited by the Islamic State (ISIS). The film was heavily criticised for allegedly propagating a one-sided and biased view, inciting religious disharmony, and spreading misinformation about Kerala's Muslim community. Critics argued that the film presented a distorted and exaggerated portrayal of events, contributing to the polarization of society.

The Kerala High Court had previously flagged the film for promoting a “malicious agenda” and inciting hatred. While the Supreme Court later stayed the High Court’s order, the controversy surrounding the film's content remained persistent.

CM Vijayan's Strong Response

Chief Minister Vijayan’s statement was particularly sharp, asserting that the award undermines the state’s values and principles. He questioned the criteria used by the jury and suggested a deeper examination of the film’s content and its potential impact on social harmony. “This award is a serious disrespect to Kerala,” Vijayan stated, adding that the film’s narrative is far from reality and aims to create division.

Opposition Voices Join the Criticism

Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan also expressed strong disapproval, stating that the award legitimizes a film that has been widely condemned for its biased and inflammatory content. He called for a reevaluation of the selection process to ensure fairness and objectivity in future awards.

Broader Implications

The controversy surrounding 'The Kerala Story' and its National Film Award highlights the ongoing debate regarding the role of cinema in shaping public opinion and the responsibility of award juries to consider the potential societal impact of their choices. The incident has reignited discussions about the need for greater scrutiny of films that deal with sensitive religious and social issues, ensuring a balanced and accurate portrayal of events.

The Kerala government is expected to formally raise its concerns with the central government regarding the award decision. The incident underscores the deep divisions surrounding the film and its portrayal of Kerala, with the state government firmly rejecting the narrative presented in 'The Kerala Story'.