<p>After attending a special screening of 'The Kerala Story' in India’s southern state Karnataka, the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda hailed the film saying that it exposes a new, poisonous form of terrorism in which ammunition is not used.</p>

<p>"There's a new type of terrorism which is without ammunition, 'The Kerala Story' exposes that poisonous terrorism. We have heard of terrorism that involves guns, weapons, and ammunition. But this is a dangerous kind of terrorism. This kind of terrorism isn't related to any state or religion," he said.</p>

<p>"The movie shows how youths are being influenced and made to follow wrong paths," the BJP chief added.</p>

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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1655313862995103744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In a video shared by BJP's official handle, Nadda said, "This may be a film, but it speaks a lot about terrorism. It shows how our youth, in a pre-planned way, is tempted to join terror, pushed down that path to a point of no return."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">ये फिल्म (The Kerala Story) देख कर हमारी जनता समझ पाएगी कि किस तरीके की साजिश हमारे समाज को खोखला करने के लिए, समाज को कमजोर करने के लिए रची जा रही है और हमें इस से आगाह होना चाहिए।<br />
<br />
- श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPNadda</a><br />
<br />
पूरा देखेंः <a href="https://t.co/d7Zh1A6tfY">https://t.co/d7Zh1A6tfY</a> <a href="https://t.co/hQ86fnzc6m">pic.twitter.com/hQ86fnzc6m</a></p>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1655272266643681280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda is the latest in line to back Adah Sharma starrer 'The Kerala Story', amid the ongoing controversy over the film.</p>

<h2><strong>Prime Minister Modi backs ‘The Kerala Story’</strong></h2>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, while addressing an election rally in Karnataka, backed 'The Kerala Story' saying that the film is based on a terror conspiracy and shows the ugly truth of terrorism.</p>

<p>While reacting to the ongoing controversy surrounding 'The Kerala Story', PM Modi accused the Congress party of opposing the film and standing with terror tendencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"'The Kerala Story' film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes the design of terrorists," PM Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank," he added</p>

<p>"The Congress has kneeled down before the terror outfits when in power. We have suffered because of the violence for very long and Congress never protected this country from terrorism. I am surprised to see that Congress has succumbed to terrorism for the sake of its vote bank. Can such a party ever save Karnataka?," he said while addressing the rally in Ballari ahead of upcoming elections in southern Karnataka state on May 10.</p>

<p>The plot of the movie, which the makers claim is based on true events, revolves around the story of women from non-Muslim communities who went missing from Kerala and were recruited into ISIS after they were converted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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After attending a special screening of 'The Kerala Story' in India’s southern state Karnataka, the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda hailed the film saying that it exposes a new, poisonous form of terrorism in which ammunition is not used.

After attending a special screening of 'The Kerala Story' in India’s southern state Karnataka, the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda hailed the film saying that it exposes a new, poisonous form of terrorism in which ammunition is not used. "There's a new type of terrorism which is without ammunition, 'The Kerala Story' exposes that poisonous terrorism. We have heard of terrorism that involves guns, weapons, and ammunition. But this is a dangerous kind of terrorism. This kind of terrorism isn't related to any state or religion," he said. "The movie shows how youths are being influenced and made to follow wrong paths," the BJP chief added. #WATCH | "There's a new type of terrorism which is without ammunition, 'Kerala Story' exposes that poisonous terrorism. This kind of terrorism isn't related to any state or religion...": BJP chief JP Nadda speaks about the film 'The Kerala Story' after watching the movie in… pic.twitter.com/lkJcvuJfdD — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2023 × In a video shared by BJP's official handle, Nadda said, "This may be a film, but it speaks a lot about terrorism. It shows how our youth, in a pre-planned way, is tempted to join terror, pushed down that path to a point of no return." ये फिल्म (The Kerala Story) देख कर हमारी जनता समझ पाएगी कि किस तरीके की साजिश हमारे समाज को खोखला करने के लिए, समाज को कमजोर करने के लिए रची जा रही है और हमें इस से आगाह होना चाहिए। - श्री @JPNadda पूरा देखेंः https://t.co/d7Zh1A6tfY pic.twitter.com/hQ86fnzc6m — BJP (@BJP4India) May 7, 2023 × Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda is the latest in line to back Adah Sharma starrer 'The Kerala Story', amid the ongoing controversy over the film. Prime Minister Modi backs ‘The Kerala Story’ Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, while addressing an election rally in Karnataka, backed 'The Kerala Story' saying that the film is based on a terror conspiracy and shows the ugly truth of terrorism. While reacting to the ongoing controversy surrounding 'The Kerala Story', PM Modi accused the Congress party of opposing the film and standing with terror tendencies. "'The Kerala Story' film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes the design of terrorists," PM Modi said. #WATCH | 'The Kerala Story' film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes terrorists' design. Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank: PM… pic.twitter.com/qlUQlc3qQf — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2023 × "Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank," he added "The Congress has kneeled down before the terror outfits when in power. We have suffered because of the violence for very long and Congress never protected this country from terrorism. I am surprised to see that Congress has succumbed to terrorism for the sake of its vote bank. Can such a party ever save Karnataka?," he said while addressing the rally in Ballari ahead of upcoming elections in southern Karnataka state on May 10. The plot of the movie, which the makers claim is based on true events, revolves around the story of women from non-Muslim communities who went missing from Kerala and were recruited into ISIS after they were converted. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

BJP Chief Nadda attends special screening of 'The Kerala Story', says 'film exposes new type of terrorism'

<p>Kerala High Court on Friday refused to put a ban on Sudipto Sen's controversial film The Kerala Story. A division bench of the Kerala High Court rejected a petition against the release of the controversial film. The petition sought a directive to cancel the ‘A’ certification granted to the movie by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kerala High Court division bench refused to stay the screening of the film The Kerala Story, whose trailer caused much uproar.&nbsp;The film's trailer claimed that tens of thousands of girls from non-Muslim communities have disappeared from Kerala and joined terror groups such as Islamic State.<br />
<br />
After watching the trailer of the movie, a division bench of Justices N Nagaresh and Sophy Thomas said that it does not contain anything against Islam or Muslims as a whole but was about ISIS.<br />
<br />
“What is against Islam? There is no allegation against the religion. The allegation is against ISIS,” the bench remarked.<br />
<br />
“Going through the trailers of the movie, we find it does not contain anything offensive to any particular community as a whole. None of the petitioners have watched movie,” the Court noted in its order, said a Bar and Bench report.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baps-swaminarayan-temple-vandalised-in-sydney-by-khalistan-supporters-reports-589067">BAPS Swaminarayan temple vandalised in Sydney by Khalistan supporters: Reports</a></p>

<p>The bench remarked that&nbsp;Hindu sanyasis are depicted as smugglers or rapists in&nbsp;umpteen movies but it has not led to any adverse consequences.<br />
<br />
"There are umpteen number of movies where Hindu sanyasis are depicted as smugglers or rapists. Nothing happens, no one protests. Many such Hindi and Malayalam films are there," said Justice Nagaresh.<br />
<br />
After hearing all parties at length, the court&nbsp;refused to the stay the release of the film and further noted that the CBFC has examined the movie and found it suitable for public exhibition.<br />
<br />
"As provided by guidelines, the board has considered and examined the movie. From the statement of the Deputy Solicitor General, the producers have published a disclaimer that the film is fictionalised and dramatised. We are not inclined to pass an interim order restraining exhibition of film," the court said.<br />
<br />
Rubbishing the claims made in the movie that about 32,000 women were converted and sent for terror missions, the petitioners termed it fictitious that has no connection with reality.&nbsp;The producer of "The Kerala Story" told Kerala High Court that the teaser of the movie, which claimed that over 32,000 women from Kerala were recruited to ISIS, will be removed from their social media accounts. High Court has recorded the statement, reported Live Law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Those who are now opposing the movie call it incredulous. However, the makers of the film are refusing to back down. The bench consisted of N Nagaresh and Mohammed Nias C P.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-regional-bank-western-alliance-quashes-report-of-exploring-potential-sale-589038">US regional bank Western Alliance quashes report of exploring potential sale</a></p>

<p>This comes as Indian Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a plea which sought to change the disclaimer of the movie from 'true story' to 'fiction'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Indian Supreme Court urged the petitioners to approach Kerala High Court for the matter.&nbsp;The petitioners also claimed that the statements used for the movie teaser will destroy the secular fabric of the state.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | China issues report on US CIA's cyberattacks on other countries</strong></p>

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<p>Clearing the air amid the controversy that has gained much traction not only in the Indian southern state but in all parts of the country, the film certification body in its counter affidavit filed in the high court, said the film does not claim accuracy of facts pertaining to historical events.</p>

<p>It added that the film is not offensive towards any person, dead or living, or against any organisation, any faith or any community.&nbsp;All events have been further verified and corroborated by historians, experts and various news reports, as per the film certification body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the Madras High Court also rejected a plea which sought ban on release of "The Kerala Story".<br />
<br />
"Why are you coming so late? If you'd come earlier, we could've asked someone to watch the movie and decide. You have not seen the movie yet. How can you assume that there will be problems? Moreover, the Kerala High Court is already seized of the matter..We're dismissing this case, sir. The Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court have already dealt with the issue," Justice Chandira said.</p>

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Kerala High Court on Friday refused to put a ban on Sudipto Sen's controversial film The Kerala Story. A division bench of the Kerala High Court rejected a petition against the release of the controversial film.

Kerala High Court on Friday refused to put a ban on Sudipto Sen's controversial film The Kerala Story. A division bench of the Kerala High Court rejected a petition against the release of the controversial film. The petition sought a directive to cancel the ‘A’ certification granted to the movie by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The Kerala High Court division bench refused to stay the screening of the film The Kerala Story, whose trailer caused much uproar. The film's trailer claimed that tens of thousands of girls from non-Muslim communities have disappeared from Kerala and joined terror groups such as Islamic State. After watching the trailer of the movie, a division bench of Justices N Nagaresh and Sophy Thomas said that it does not contain anything against Islam or Muslims as a whole but was about ISIS. “What is against Islam? There is no allegation against the religion. The allegation is against ISIS,” the bench remarked. “Going through the trailers of the movie, we find it does not contain anything offensive to any particular community as a whole. None of the petitioners have watched movie,” the Court noted in its order, said a Bar and Bench report. Also Read | BAPS Swaminarayan temple vandalised in Sydney by Khalistan supporters: Reports The bench remarked that Hindu sanyasis are depicted as smugglers or rapists in umpteen movies but it has not led to any adverse consequences. "There are umpteen number of movies where Hindu sanyasis are depicted as smugglers or rapists. Nothing happens, no one protests. Many such Hindi and Malayalam films are there," said Justice Nagaresh. After hearing all parties at length, the court refused to the stay the release of the film and further noted that the CBFC has examined the movie and found it suitable for public exhibition. "As provided by guidelines, the board has considered and examined the movie. From the statement of the Deputy Solicitor General, the producers have published a disclaimer that the film is fictionalised and dramatised. We are not inclined to pass an interim order restraining exhibition of film," the court said. Rubbishing the claims made in the movie that about 32,000 women were converted and sent for terror missions, the petitioners termed it fictitious that has no connection with reality. The producer of "The Kerala Story" told Kerala High Court that the teaser of the movie, which claimed that over 32,000 women from Kerala were recruited to ISIS, will be removed from their social media accounts. High Court has recorded the statement, reported Live Law. Those who are now opposing the movie call it incredulous. However, the makers of the film are refusing to back down. The bench consisted of N Nagaresh and Mohammed Nias C P. Also Read | US regional bank Western Alliance quashes report of exploring potential sale This comes as Indian Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a plea which sought to change the disclaimer of the movie from 'true story' to 'fiction'. Earlier, Indian Supreme Court urged the petitioners to approach Kerala High Court for the matter. The petitioners also claimed that the statements used for the movie teaser will destroy the secular fabric of the state. Watch | China issues report on US CIA's cyberattacks on other countries × Clearing the air amid the controversy that has gained much traction not only in the Indian southern state but in all parts of the country, the film certification body in its counter affidavit filed in the high court, said the film does not claim accuracy of facts pertaining to historical events. It added that the film is not offensive towards any person, dead or living, or against any organisation, any faith or any community. All events have been further verified and corroborated by historians, experts and various news reports, as per the film certification body. Earlier, the Madras High Court also rejected a plea which sought ban on release of "The Kerala Story". "Why are you coming so late? If you'd come earlier, we could've asked someone to watch the movie and decide. You have not seen the movie yet. How can you assume that there will be problems? Moreover, the Kerala High Court is already seized of the matter..We're dismissing this case, sir. The Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court have already dealt with the issue," Justice Chandira said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kerala HC refuses to stay release of ‘The Kerala Story’, says allegation against ISIS not religion

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, while addressing an election rally in Karnataka, condemned the opposition Congress party for "sheltering and nurturing terror elements" for vote bank politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further reacting to the ongoing controversy surrounding 'The Kerala Story', PM Modi accused the grand old party of opposing the film that he said&nbsp;is based on terror conspiracy and&nbsp;'shows the ugly truth of terrorism'. The plot of the movie, which the makers claim is based on true events, revolves around the story of women from non-Muslim communities who went missing from Kerala and were recruited into ISIS after they were converted.</p>

<p>"'The Kerala Story' film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes the design of terrorists," PM Modi said.</p>

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<p>He further added, "Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank."</p>

<p>"The Congress has kneeled down before the terror outfits when in power. We have suffered because of the violence for very long and Congress never protected this country from terrorism. I am surprised to see that Congress has succumbed to terrorism for the sake of its vote bank. Can such a party ever save Karnataka?," he said while addressing the rally in Ballari ahead of upcoming elections in southern Karnataka state on May 10.</p>

<p>The prime minister said that to make Karnataka the number one state of the country, security system, law and order is the most important requirement.</p>

<p>"It is equally important for Karnataka to remain free from terrorism. BJP has always been tough against terrorism. But Congress gets stomach ache whenever action is taken on terrorism," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Kerala HC refuses to issue a stay order on release of 'The Kerala Story'</strong></h2>

<p>The Kerala High Court, on Friday, refused to impose a ban on the film 'The Kerala Story'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The High Court asked petitioners how the movie, which it observed is fiction and not history, would create sectarianism and conflict in society, claiming that secular Kerala will accept the film for what it is.</p>

<p>"Nothing will happen just because the film is screened. The teaser of the film was released in November. What was offensive in the film? What is wrong in saying that Allah is the only God? The country gives the citizen the right to believe in their religion and God and spread it. What was offensive in the trailer?", the court observed while considering a batch of petitions seeking to cancel the censor certificate of the film.</p>

<p>"So many movies have already come out about such organizations. There have been references against Hindu monks and Christian priests in many films before. Did you see all this in the way of fiction? What is so special now? How does this movie create sectarianism and conflict in society?", the court observed.</p>

<p>The film's trailer claims young girls from non-Muslim communities disappeared from Kerala and joined terror groups such as Islamic State.</p>

<p>Helmed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film has triggered a massive political row with various leaders reacting to it.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, while addressing an election rally in Karnataka, condemned the opposition Congress party for "sheltering and nurturing terror elements" for vote bank politics.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, while addressing an election rally in Karnataka, condemned the opposition Congress party for "sheltering and nurturing terror elements" for vote bank politics. Further reacting to the ongoing controversy surrounding 'The Kerala Story', PM Modi accused the grand old party of opposing the film that he said is based on terror conspiracy and 'shows the ugly truth of terrorism'. The plot of the movie, which the makers claim is based on true events, revolves around the story of women from non-Muslim communities who went missing from Kerala and were recruited into ISIS after they were converted. "'The Kerala Story' film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes the design of terrorists," PM Modi said. #WATCH | 'The Kerala Story' film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes terrorists' design. Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank: PM… pic.twitter.com/qlUQlc3qQf — ANI (@ANI) May 5, 2023 × He further added, "Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank." "The Congress has kneeled down before the terror outfits when in power. We have suffered because of the violence for very long and Congress never protected this country from terrorism. I am surprised to see that Congress has succumbed to terrorism for the sake of its vote bank. Can such a party ever save Karnataka?," he said while addressing the rally in Ballari ahead of upcoming elections in southern Karnataka state on May 10. The prime minister said that to make Karnataka the number one state of the country, security system, law and order is the most important requirement. "It is equally important for Karnataka to remain free from terrorism. BJP has always been tough against terrorism. But Congress gets stomach ache whenever action is taken on terrorism," he said. Kerala HC refuses to issue a stay order on release of 'The Kerala Story' The Kerala High Court, on Friday, refused to impose a ban on the film 'The Kerala Story'. The High Court asked petitioners how the movie, which it observed is fiction and not history, would create sectarianism and conflict in society, claiming that secular Kerala will accept the film for what it is. "Nothing will happen just because the film is screened. The teaser of the film was released in November. What was offensive in the film? What is wrong in saying that Allah is the only God? The country gives the citizen the right to believe in their religion and God and spread it. What was offensive in the trailer?", the court observed while considering a batch of petitions seeking to cancel the censor certificate of the film. "So many movies have already come out about such organizations. There have been references against Hindu monks and Christian priests in many films before. Did you see all this in the way of fiction? What is so special now? How does this movie create sectarianism and conflict in society?", the court observed. The film's trailer claims young girls from non-Muslim communities disappeared from Kerala and joined terror groups such as Islamic State. Helmed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film has triggered a massive political row with various leaders reacting to it. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian Prime Minister Modi backs ‘The Kerala Story’, slams Congress for nurturing terror elements

<p>The Indian state of Tamil Nadu is on high alert due to the impending release of Sudipto Sen's controversial film <em>The Kerala Story.</em> Depending on who you ask, the film is either "peddling lies aimed at creating communal polarisation" (Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan) or tells "a real story of Kerala's migration to the terror path" (BJP politician Sobha Surendran). While Kerala, the south Indian state at the heart of the film, is yet to take any measures against its release at the time of this report, the neighouring state Tamil Nadu is on edge due to voices of protest from some corners. The controversy erupted after the film's trailer made the claim implying that tens of thousands of girls from non-Muslim communities have disappeared from Kerala and somehow joined terror groups such as Islamic State. Critics slammed it as an incredulous allegation, but the makers of the film are sticking to their guns.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"Some groups have called for protests," the Indian newspaper Hindustan Times quoted a Tamil Nadu government official as saying. "Our intelligence wing has taken note of their messages on social media. Some Islamic groups have also approached the police in a few districts seeking a ban [of the film]," the official said, explaining the reason for the high alert in Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>"But the government is not banning it," the official clarified. "Even Kerala has not banned it. We have, however, relayed the alerts to all the law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert."</p>

<p>The film, featuring Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani, follows a group of young women in Kerala who are converted to Islam, radicalised, and recruited to fight for Islamic State (IS).&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per its YouTube description, the film tells a "spine-chilling, never told before true story" of a "dangerous conspiracy that has been hatched against India."&nbsp;</p>

<p>It further claims that "thousands of Innocent women have been systematically converted, radicalised &amp; their lives destroyed. It's their side of the story."</p>

<p>The description of the video on YouTube had earlier said it is the story 32,000 women, but followed by the ensuing controversy over what many say are wildly inflated numbers, the makers quietly changed that number.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>In an interview with Festival of Bharat, a YouTube channel, director Sen said that the then-Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy had mentioned every year about 2,800-3,200 girls in Kerala being converted to Islam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Just calculate this number for 10 years and that gives you 32,000 to 33,000 girls," he added.</p>

<p>Although Sen admits Chandy denied saying that, he has a document proving the claim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the description of the film suggests that not only these many girls were converted, they went to the Middle-East to fight for IS.</p>

<p>As per The Indian Express newspaper, then junior home minister G Kishan Reddy told Indian Parliament that Indian authorities have arrested 155 Islamic State operatives and sympathisers across the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A US State Department report from 2020 said, “There were 66 known Indian-origin fighters affiliated with ISIS, as of November."</p>

<p>The film releases on May 5 in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam languages across India.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The Indian state of Tamil Nadu is on high alert due to the impending release of Sudipto Sen's controversial film The Kerala Story. Depending on who you ask, the film is either "peddling lies aimed at creating communal polarisation" (Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan) or tells "a real story of Kerala's migration to the terror path" (BJP politician Sobha Surendran).

The Indian state of Tamil Nadu is on high alert due to the impending release of Sudipto Sen's controversial film The Kerala Story. Depending on who you ask, the film is either "peddling lies aimed at creating communal polarisation" (Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan) or tells "a real story of Kerala's migration to the terror path" (BJP politician Sobha Surendran). While Kerala, the south Indian state at the heart of the film, is yet to take any measures against its release at the time of this report, the neighouring state Tamil Nadu is on edge due to voices of protest from some corners. The controversy erupted after the film's trailer made the claim implying that tens of thousands of girls from non-Muslim communities have disappeared from Kerala and somehow joined terror groups such as Islamic State. Critics slammed it as an incredulous allegation, but the makers of the film are sticking to their guns. "Some groups have called for protests," the Indian newspaper Hindustan Times quoted a Tamil Nadu government official as saying. "Our intelligence wing has taken note of their messages on social media. Some Islamic groups have also approached the police in a few districts seeking a ban [of the film]," the official said, explaining the reason for the high alert in Tamil Nadu. "But the government is not banning it," the official clarified. "Even Kerala has not banned it. We have, however, relayed the alerts to all the law enforcement agencies to remain on high alert." The film, featuring Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani, follows a group of young women in Kerala who are converted to Islam, radicalised, and recruited to fight for Islamic State (IS). As per its YouTube description, the film tells a "spine-chilling, never told before true story" of a "dangerous conspiracy that has been hatched against India." It further claims that "thousands of Innocent women have been systematically converted, radicalised & their lives destroyed. It's their side of the story." The description of the video on YouTube had earlier said it is the story 32,000 women, but followed by the ensuing controversy over what many say are wildly inflated numbers, the makers quietly changed that number. In an interview with Festival of Bharat, a YouTube channel, director Sen said that the then-Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy had mentioned every year about 2,800-3,200 girls in Kerala being converted to Islam. "Just calculate this number for 10 years and that gives you 32,000 to 33,000 girls," he added. Although Sen admits Chandy denied saying that, he has a document proving the claim. But the description of the film suggests that not only these many girls were converted, they went to the Middle-East to fight for IS. As per The Indian Express newspaper, then junior home minister G Kishan Reddy told Indian Parliament that Indian authorities have arrested 155 Islamic State operatives and sympathisers across the country. A US State Department report from 2020 said, “There were 66 known Indian-origin fighters affiliated with ISIS, as of November." The film releases on May 5 in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam languages across India. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Kerala Story: Why an Indian state is on high alert over release of this film