The decision of the Union government to broadcast the film ‘The Kerala Story’ on India’s national broadcaster Doordarshan has ignited a political firestorm. Directed by Sudipto Sen, the film depicts a distorted narrative of Kerala women joining ISIS, drawing criticism for its sensationalized portrayal.
Kerala CM Denounces Airing, Labels it as Communal Agenda
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly condemned the move, asserting that Doordarshan should not be manipulated to serve the communal agenda of political factions. He emphasized Kerala’s ethos of religious harmony and criticized the film’s attempt to disparage the state.
Kerala Government Counters with ‘The Real Kerala Story’ Ad
In response to ‘The Kerala Story,’ the Kerala government launched an advertisement campaign titled ‘The Real Kerala Story,’ highlighting the state’s achievements and societal cohesion.
Opposition Leader Urges Election Commission to Intervene
VD Satheesan, the opposition leader, appealed to the Election Commission of India to intervene and prevent the telecast of ‘The Kerala Story.’ He denounced the film as propaganda aimed at dividing society along religious lines.
Film’s Controversial Teaser and RTI Revelations
The film’s initial teaser, released in 2022, faced backlash for its exaggerated claim of Kerala girls being radicalized. Meanwhile, an RTI reply revealed that the film’s narrative contradicts official data, fueling further skepticism.
Previous Controversy at International Film Festival
The controversy surrounding ‘The Kerala Story’ extends to its screening at the International Film Festival of India in 2023, where Kerala delegates protested peacefully. Similar incidents in the past, including objections raised against ‘The Kashmir Files,’ underscore the contentious nature of political cinema.
The decision to air ‘The Kerala Story’ on a national platform has reignited debates on freedom of expression, political manipulation, and the responsibility of media institutions.
