Marking its entry into the realm of digital cinema, ‘The Kerala Story’, featuring Adah Sharma in a pivotal role, is gearing up for its much-anticipated OTT release. Director Sudipto Sen has revealed that adapting such a profound and delicate subject into a motion picture was an immense undertaking.
Focusing on a contentious issue that has been at the heart of various social and political discussions, ‘The Kerala Story’ presents a narrative based on actual events surrounding the radicalization and conversion of young Hindu women in Kerala. The film raises an alarming discussion on how these women were led to abandon their faith and, under the grip of coercion or delusion, join terrorist factions.
During its theatrical run, the movie stirred an array of reactions, engendering conversations about the veracity of such happenings and the portrayal of the subject matter on the silver screen. Sudipto Sen spoke candidly about the challenges faced in crafting this intricate tale for the audience. “Every filmmaker seeks validation for their creative endeavors, and the success of ‘The Kerala Story’ at the box office has given me immense satisfaction and motivation to trust in my vision,” Sen stated.
Sen pointed out that while many are oblivious to the harsh truths of these events, the film has endeavored to highlight the stark reality, with authentic stories and true-to-life representations shaping the narrative’s core. “The characters and their fates in the film aren’t just figments of imagination, they’re reflections of lived experiences,” he expressed.
Adah Sharma, who portrays the character of Shalini Unnikrishnan in the film, conveyed her respect, noting that the film’s production team, including producer Vipul Shah and director Sudipto Sen, have shown commendable resolve in bringing such a daring project to fruition. The producer, Vipul Amrutlal Shah, echoed this sentiment, remarking on the film’s impact and how it beckons viewers to look beyond a single viewing, an attribute that makes it valuable for family audiences.
With its compelling story and powerful performances, ‘The Kerala Story’ has not only garnered praise from critics but has also etched a permanent mark in the hearts of the viewers, according to Manish Kalra, ZEE5’s Chief Business Officer. He expressed his pleasure in streaming a movie based on real-life incidents, remarking on the significance of the topics it addresses.
The film traverses the emotional and tumultuous journeys of three young women: Shalini, Nimah (Yogita Bihani), and Geetanjali (Siddhi Idnani), who fall prey to the manipulative tactics of their roommate, Asifa (Sonia Balani). The narrative is split into two segments: the initial half unravels their indoctrination, while the latter half follows Shalini’s transformation into Fatima Ba – a converted insurgent experiencing captivity in Afghanistan.
A disturbing and profound element the film touches upon is the brainwashing of men who are enticed into courting Hindu and Christian women from Kerala. Under the guise of romance, they convert these women and recruit them to join hostile activities. The movie brings to light the chilling phase during 2018-19 when an increasing number of Kerala’s youth were reportedly ensnared by the ideologies of a terrorist group.
‘The Kerala Story’ will commence streaming on the ZEE5 platform starting from February 16, granting audiences the convenience to experience this thought-provoking journey from their homes.
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