In a recent statement, Anupam Kher commented on the backlash against The Kerala Story, noting that those who are now criticizing the film had also condemned The Kashmir Files in the past. Both movies had sparked significant political controversies and were accused of being propaganda films.
Anupam Kher commented on the situation surrounding The Kerala Story, stating that the individuals who are now opposing the film are the same ones who have been involved in various protests such as CAA, Shaheen Bagh, and JNU. He further added that these same people had also criticized The Kashmir Files in the past. Kher expressed that he does not pay attention to their motives and considers them irrelevant.
He added, “Again I would say they are the same faces. I have not seen the film but I am happy that people are making films which are close to reality. And those who feel it is a propaganda are free to make movies dealing with the subject they find perfect. No one is stopping them.
Helmed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, The Kerala Story stars Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani and Sonia Balani in the lead roles. The trailer of the film came under fire as it previously claimed that 32,000 girls from the state went missing and later joined the terrorist group, ISIS.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that The Kerala Story will be banned in the state to prevent any incidents of hatred and violence and maintain peace. She described the film as a “distorted story” and compared it to The Kashmir Files, which she believes aims to humiliate a particular group.
While many are seeking a ban on the film, several celebrities have shared their thoughts about the film. Shabana Azmi tweeted, “Those who speak of banning #The Kerala Story are as wrong as those who wanted to ban Aamir Khan’s #Laal Singh Chaadha. Once a film has been passed by the Central Board of Film Certification nobody has the right to become an extra constitutional authority.”
“This is a very valid point except for the fact that no one asked for a ban on LSC people just didn’t want to see it for many reasons, major reason was it was a remake of a very popular old Hollywood classic which most people had already seen,” responded Kangana to Shabana’s post.
Previously, the Kerala High Court had noted on Friday that the producers have published a disclaimer along with the movie which specifically says that the film has fictionalised and is a dramatised version of events and that the film doesn’t claim accuracy or factuality of historic events. The Kerala Story released on May 5.
