The Kerala Story
The Kerala Story is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah.
The Kerala Story is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. It follows women from Kerala who are coerced into religious conversion and drawn toward the Islamic State, and it became a major commercial success amid significant controversy over its factual claims and political messaging.
Plot and premise
The film follows a group of women from Kerala whose lives are portrayed as being altered by conversion, radicalisation, and involvement with the Islamic State. The narrative is framed around one central character, Shalini Unnikrishnan, and her journey.
Production and release
The Kerala Story was directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. It premiered in theatres on 5 May 2023 and was released in multiple Indian language dubs on streaming platforms later.
Reception and controversy
The film became highly controversial because of its claims about mass conversions and recruitment, which critics and some commentators disputed. Media coverage and court-related reporting noted that filmmakers were required to add disclaimers describing it as a fictionalised account.
Box office performance
Despite the controversy, the film was a commercial hit. Reported worldwide earnings of ₹303.97 crore placed it among the top-grossing Hindi films of 2023.
Key facts
- The film was released theatrically on 5 May 2023.
- It centers on women from Kerala who are depicted as being converted to Islam and recruited by the Islamic State.
- The film was marketed as a true story, but later disclaimers described it as a fictionalised depiction and said the film’s figures were inauthentic.
- It became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2023, with a worldwide gross reported at ₹303.97 crore.
- The film drew criticism and controversy in India over alleged propaganda and its portrayal of religious groups.
The film received international attention, including coverage by Canadian and global media, because of its controversy over religious representation, propaganda claims, and the politics of identity in India.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Kerala Story about?
Who directed The Kerala Story?
When was The Kerala Story released?
Is The Kerala Story based on a true story?
Why was The Kerala Story controversial?
Was The Kerala Story a box office success?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Kerala_StorySupports: Director, producer, cast, release date, premise, gross, and later disclaimers/controversy context.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65481927Supports: Overview of the controversy, criticism from politicians, and claims about the film's political implications.
- CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/23/india/indian-film-kerala-story-controversy-intl-hnkSupports: Coverage of the controversy, fictionalised-account disclaimer, and box office success.
- Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_kerala_storySupports: Genre, language, runtime, and synopsis.
- TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-kerala-story/2030521969/Supports: Year, runtime, genre, and synopsis.
- ZEE5 — https://www.zee5.com/global/movies/details/the-kerala-story/0-0-1z5512788Supports: Release timing, runtime, cast, languages, and plot synopsis.