The Kerala Story is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. It stars Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani. The plot follows a group of women from Kerala who are coerced into converting to Islam, and go on to join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The film is premised on the conspiracy theory of "love jihad", and falsely claims thousands of women from Kerala to have been converted to Islam and recruited into ISIS.
The film was released on 5 May 2023 and received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film's performances and its message, while others criticized its sensationalized portrayal of the issue of forced religious conversion. The film was also the subject of controversy, with some accusing it of promoting Islamophobia.
Despite the controversy, The Kerala Story was a commercial success, grossing over ₹200 crore at the box office. The film's success has been attributed to its timely release, as well as its focus on a sensitive issue that is of concern to many Indians.
The film's success has also led to a debate about the issue of forced religious conversion in India. Some have argued that the film's portrayal of the issue is accurate, while others have argued that it is exaggerated and sensationalized. The debate is likely to continue, as the issue of forced religious conversion is a complex one that is not easily resolved.
Here are some of the reviews of the film:
"The Kerala Story is a well-made film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It is a must-see for anyone who is interested in the issue of forced religious conversion." - The Indian Express
"The Kerala Story is a sensationalized and Islamophobic film that does more harm than good. It is a shame that such a film has been made, and I urge people to avoid it." - The Wire
The Kerala Story is a controversial film that has sparked a debate about the issue of forced religious conversion in India. The film's success has also led to increased awareness of the issue, which is a positive development
