8th May 2023, Mumbai: West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, recently spoke out against the film ‘The Kerala Story’ during a meeting at the Nabanna state secretariat. Banerjee compared the film to ‘The Kashmir Files’ by Vivek Agnihotri, stating that the purpose of such films is to humiliate certain communities. She went on to criticize the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) for working with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and for not speaking out against the film.
In a statement issued by the State Information and Cultural Affairs Department, it has been confirmed that the Chief Minister is looking to ban the film in West Bengal. The statement cites the film’s promotion of false narratives to defame particular communities as the reason for the ban. It also raises concerns that the visuals depicted in the film could threaten law and order in the state, prompting the need to take action to maintain peace and harmony among citizens.
Banerjee’s comments have sparked controversy and drawn attention to the film’s content, which has been criticized for its portrayal of the Muslim community. The ban has also prompted discussions around censorship and free speech in India. Some have expressed concern that banning the film could set a dangerous precedent and infringe on artistic freedom, while others argue that the film’s content is harmful and could incite violence. The debate highlights the complex relationship between free speech and responsible filmmaking.
‘The Kerala Story’ is directed by Sudipto Sen and features the stories of three women from different religions who are coerced into converting to Islam and joining ISIS. The film was released in India on May 5th and is set to release in Malayalam on May 12th.