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The Kerala Story Movie Reviews
The release of the trailer for “The Kerala Story” was marred by controversy, specifically surrounding the use of the number 32,000. This number was initially included in the trailer, leading to a heated debate among viewers. Although the filmmakers later changed the number in the YouTube description, director Sudipto Sen later presented it as a “fact” in the climax of the film.
It is concerning how these numbers are being thrown around so casually without any factual evidence to support them, which could potentially fuel hatred towards a specific religion. The blatant and unsubtle portrayal of this hatred in the film is deeply disturbing, and it seems that the filmmakers were not successful in their intended message.
The protagonist of “The Kerala Story” is Shalini Unnikrishnan, who goes by the name Fathima after converting to Islam. The film depicts her capture by international forces while attempting to escape from ISIS. In a confession scene, Shalini reveals how she was brainwashed to believe in Allah and became a tool for holy war.
However, when creating a movie based on real events, it is important for the research to be authentic. Unfortunately, the filmmakers’ understanding of basic facts about Kerala is questionable. Creative director and producer Vipul Amritlal Shah, who co-wrote the film, seems to have little knowledge of Kasargod, a location featured in the movie. Additionally, the filmmakers rely on tired stereotypes of South Indians, including Shalini’s constant adornment with jasmine flowers in her hair and the forced use of a fake accent.
Furthermore, the characterizations in the film are laughable and lack credibility. Shalini and Geetanjali’s obsession with Asifa’s description of Hell is not believable for characters who supposedly passed nursing exams. If the filmmakers truly wanted to establish the presence of religious extremists in Kerala, they should have done so with credible writing and realistic characterizations.
In summary, “The Kerala Story” falls short in its portrayal of real events and lacks credibility in its characterizations and research.
The filmmakers have included interviews with some of the victims in the movie, and one such clip is shown in the film. However, there is a scene that has been cinematically shot with a victim imploring the audience to believe the story despite a lack of factual evidence. The director cleverly rounds off the number of people who converted to Islam from 2006-2012, as reported by Kerala CM Oommen Chandi, as 3200 per year instead of the actual 2667 total number. By multiplying that figure by 10 and having a character recite it tearfully, the filmmakers sell a convincing lie. It’s as if they’ve taken a page out of Joseph Goebbels’s playbook.
Adah Sharma’s performance is insufferable, with her irritating naivety and fake South Indian accent. Whoever made the decision to randomly insert Malayalam words into a Hindi conversation has terrible decision-making skills. Siddhi Idnani also struggles to portray Geetanjali’s character transition convincingly. Sonia Balani’s character, Asifa, is meant to be cunning and manipulative, but even if you’re Islamophobic, her plan of action may make you laugh.
The Cast and Their Performances
No movie can be successful without a talented cast, and “The Kerala Story” certainly delivers in this regard. Nazriya Nazim plays Ammu with remarkable depth and nuance, bringing the character to life with her powerful performance. Parvathy Thiruvothu, who plays Ammu’s older sister, is equally impressive, infusing her character with both strength and vulnerability. The supporting cast, including Roshan Mathew and Joju George, also give standout performances, adding layers of complexity to the film’s many characters.
Is the story of ‘The Kerala Story’ true?
there are some villages in Kasargod, where Shariat holds sway? Whenever there is a bomb blast anywhere in the world, be it in Sri Lanka, Singapore or Afghanistan, the Kerala connection definitely comes to the fore. Why does this happen sir?’
That’s the question from the police chief to Nimah Mathew, one of the three jihadi girls featured in the film ‘The Kerala Story’ (The Kerala Story) is shown in Yogita Bihani has played the role of Nimah. It is shown in the film that Nimah is a girl from a Christian family, who accepts Islam. His religion has been converted for the terrorist organization IS. However, her question to the police chief at the end of the film reveals that she wants to return.
For anyone who grew up in Kerala or has lived in the state for any length of time, Nimah’s words are full of melodrama, but also white lies. The entire film revolves around these two facts.
The filmmaker has presented it as a true incident. Right in the beginning the ‘real life character’ Nimah comes on the screen with a message that, ‘I was raped many times and badly tortured. Only a part of it is shown in this movie. I welcome this film because this message should reach everyone. I do not want what happened to me to happen to any other girl.
Muslim characters in the film are shown in dark shade. The communists were also not treated very well. Again and again the camera focuses on a wall on which is written, ‘Nationalism is forbidden, your identity is Muslim.’
The treatment of the entire film is in Bollywood style, but that kind of sharpness is not visible. Nothing explains this better than the observation made by the Kerala High Court while dismissing a petition to ban the film. The court said that such a film could hardly harm the secular fabric of the state.
The story of ‘The Kerala Story’ is based on four girls. Shalini comes from a traditional Hindu family. Gitanjali Menon belongs to a communist family and the third girl is Nimah. All of them take admission in the Nursing College of Kasaragod. Asifa from Malappuram is the fourth character who is friendly with these girls.
Technical Aspects
In addition to its strong storyline and performances, “The Kerala Story” also impresses on a technical level. The film’s cinematography, courtesy of Littil Swayamp, is nothing short of breathtaking. The lush landscapes of Kerala are captured in all their glory, and the camera work adds a layer of visual depth to the film’s many emotional moments. The film’s music, composed by Govind Vasantha, also adds to its overall impact, with haunting melodies that stay with the viewer long after the credits roll.
The Kerala Story will be Banned
The film “The Kerala Story” has been banned in West Bengal, according to the state’s Chief Minister, Mamta Banerjee. This decision comes after the movie was made tax-free in other states such as Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Several other states including Tamil Nadu have also stopped screening the film. Banerjee has stated that the movie has the potential to cause disharmony and disrupt law and order in the state.
The Kerala Story Movie Reviews: Frequently Asked Questions
“The Kerala Story” follows the story of a young woman named Ammu who must navigate the complexities of love and family in a small village in Kerala.
The film stars Nazriya Nazim, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Roshan Mathew, and Joju George, among others.
based on real stories of how innocent non-Muslim girls are recruited for the Islamic State,
The cinematography, courtesy of Littil Swayamp, is breathtaking, capturing the lush landscapes of Kerala in all their glory.
The film’s music was composed by Govind Vasantha and features haunting melodies that add to its emotional impact.
Absolutely. “The Kerala Story” is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted film with strong performances and a thought-provoking storyline.
In Conclusion
“The Kerala Story” is a remarkable film that deserves all the accolades it has been receiving. With its engaging storyline, talented cast, and stunning cinematography, it is a cinematic experience that is not to be missed. Whether you’re a fan of Malayalam cinema or a lover of thought-provoking dramas, “The Kerala Story” is a movie that will leave you captivated from beginning to end.
In conclusion, “The Kerala Story” is a movie that lives up to the hype and is a must-watch for anyone looking for a well-crafted drama that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating. The film’s strong performances, stunning cinematography, and powerful themes make it one of the best Malayalam films of recent times. So, go ahead and add “The Kerala Story” to your watchlist, you won’t regret it.