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Article 370 to Karthikeya 2; 7 small films that earned big at the box office

February 25, 2024, 11:36 am

Yami Gautam’s ‘Article 370’, exploring the PMO’s decision to amend Article 370, collected an impressive Rs 6.12 crore on day 1. Reduced ticket rates heightened anticipation, setting the stage for this strong debut. The film, shot on a budget of Rs 20 crore, is expected to collect at least Rs 7 crore on the second day.

Directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale, it also features Raj Arjun and Priya Mani.

This interestingly, isn’t the first ‘small film’ to set the box office on fire in recent times. Here is a look at some other films which achieved this feat.

Hanu Man (2024)

Hanu Man is a Telugu language film about a youngster who gets the powers of Lord Hanuman and fights for an imaginary place called Anjanadri. The film is directed by Prasanth Varma and stars Teja Sajja, Amritha Aiyer and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar. It collected ₹199.81 crore on a budget of 40 crore despite the absence of A-list stars.

12th Fail (2023)

Shot on a budget of just ₹20 crore, the film made ₹57 crore in India. Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra it stars Vikrant Massey as Manoj Kumar Sharma, a simpleton from a small village, and highlights his attempts at becoming an IPS officer. Medha Shankr and Joshi Anantvijay also star in the film.

The Kerala Story (2023)

Shot on a budget of ₹30 crore, the film made ₹220 crore in India and became the fifth highest grossing Hindi film of the year. ‘The Kerala Story’ managed to amass a remarkable nett collection of ₹242.2 crore, This film stars Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani and Sonia Balani. It explores the themes of religious conversion and terrorism.

The Kashmir Files (2022)

The film, shot on a budget of ₹ 25 crore, earned ₹252 crore crore in India to emerge as a blockbuster. It set a precedent by recouping most of its budget within the first weekend of its global release. The film is directed by Vivek Agnihotri and stars Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, and Pallavi Joshi. It highlights the tragic genocide of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s, a dark chapter in Indian history.

Kantara (2022)

Kantara is a Kannada language film which collected a huge amount of ₹309.64 crore on a meagre budget of ₹16 crore. Directed by Rishab Shetty, the film stars him along with Kishore and Achyuth Kumar. It revolves around a Kambala champion who is at loggerheads with an upright forest officer.

Karthikeya 2 (2022)

Karthikeya 2 is a sequel to 2014 Telugu language film Karthikeya. It is directed by Chandoo Mondeti and stars Nikhil Siddhartha and Anupama Parameswaran. In the film the protagonist is on a quest to find the lost anklet of Lord Krishna. Shot on a budget of approximately ₹15 crore, it made a collection of ₹86.75 crore at the box office.

*All collections in nett unless mentioned otherwise

The Kerala Story Star Adah Sharma Announces Break Due To Health Issues

August 5, 2023, 11:38 am

The Kerala Story star Adah Sharma was hospitalised due to food allergy and diarrhoea. Recently, she took to her official Instagram handle and revealed that she had hives. The actress shared a couple of picures of her allergic reaction.

Adah wrote, “Thank you to everyone who reached out to me and some of them I haven’t met for years, also Adah Sharma fan clubs.” She added a disclaimer about the photos and said, “Do not swipe if you are scared of rash on skin images, they are a little scary but I thought one should not share only nice photos on Instagram.” Further, she added, “I was hiding it by wearing full sleeves, but it started showing on my face due to stress! So then I took medicine and turns out I am allergic to the medicine so it made me nauseous. So now I’m taking another medicine and injection. I will be doing promotions today but my with full sleeves.”

The Kerala Story star further revealed that she will take a small break from work due to her medical condition. “I have promised my Amma I will take care of health. Tomorrow I am leaving for a few days. My Amma has told me to focus on health instead of radio trails, zoom interviews and promo shoot,” the actress also assured her fans that “I will be back soon.”

Take a look at Adah Sharma’s Instagram post

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adah Sharma (@adah_ki_adah)

Stay tuned for more such news.

Adah Sharma Starrer The Kerala Story Struggles To Find OTT Buyers

June 26, 2023, 12:29 pm

Adah Sharma starrer The Kerala Story has been creating headlines ever since it hit the theatres. The film revolves around the stories of Hindu women of Kerala who were converted to Islam war zones in 2018-2019. The Kerala Story unearths the events behind approximately 32,000 women going missing in Kerala. For the unversed, its trailer triggered protests in Kerala and some parts of the country along with some political parties calling for a ban on the screening of the film.

Even after its release, the makers are facing difficulties in finding a buyer for its OTT distribution. Also, director Sudipto Sen mentioned that they feel the industry has united against them. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, the director said: “We are still waiting for a good workable deal from any of the main OTT platforms. But so far, we have not got any offer worth considering. It seems the film industry has ganged up to punish us.” Further, he added that we have a feeling that a section of the entertainment industry has united to punish us for our success.”

Adah Sharma leads the cast along with Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani.

Stay tuned to The Daily Guardian for more such news.

Kangana Ranaut Slams The Kerala Story Ban

May 24, 2023, 9:42 am

The ‘Queen’ actress Kangana Ranaut on Tuesday said the ban imposed on Adah Sharma’s The Kerala Story by some states was ‘unconstitutional’ after it was cleared by the CBFC. Kangana told reporters, “Banning a film which has been passed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) amounts to insulting the constitution. The ban on ‘The Kerala Story’ by some states is not correct’.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adah Sharma (@adah_ki_adah)

Sudipto Sen’s directorial has polarised the political discourse in the country as it depicts how women from Kerala were forced to convert and recruited by the terror group Islamic State (IS). The West Bengal government had imposed a ban on The Kerala Story on May 8. Theatres in Tamil Nadu had decided to stop its screening, citing the law-and-order situation and a poor audience turnout.

For the unversed, last week, the Supreme Court slayed the West Bengal government’s order banning the film and asked Tamil Nadu to ensure the safety of the moviegoers. According to the ‘Queen’ actress, people often complain that Bollywood does not make the kind of films they want to watch. Kangana Ranaut said, “When a film like The Kerala Story is made, people’s complaint is redressed. Such films help the film industry.”

The film stars Adah Sharma in the lead, along with actors Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani and Siddhi Idnani. The Kerala Story has so far raised over Rs 200 crore at the domestic box office.

Supreme Court stays Bengal govt ban on ‘The Kerala Story’

May 18, 2023, 5:34 pm

The Supreme Court stayed the West Bengal government’s order prohibiting public screenings of the film ‘The Kerala Story’ on Thursday. The court stated that the May 8 order is “overbreadth” and is not based on any material presented before the court.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud also directed the Tamil Nadu government to make all necessary security arrangements to ensure the screening of the film and the safety of moviegoers.

The petitions calling for the film’s ban were posted in July. Because the Madras high court had already dismissed a petition challenging the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certification, the court indicated that it might have to watch the film.

The producers have stated that there is no authentic data to back up the claim that the number of converted people is 32,000 or any other figure, and the film represents a fictionalized version of the subject matter.

The court stated that because the film has been certified by the CBFC, it is the responsibility of the state government to maintain law and order.

The bench stated that “Bad films bomb at the box office.”

“The legal provision cannot be used to put a premium on public intolerance. Otherwise, all films will find themselves in this spot,” the bench, also comprising justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala, said during the hearing which is still on.

Adah Sharma meets with accident amid death threats

May 15, 2023, 9:54 am

The Kerala Story actress Adah Sharma met with a road accident on Sunday. As soon as the news surfaced online, the actress took to her official Twitter handle to share an update about the same.

The actress informed her fans that she was doing ‘fine’ and it was “nothing major.” Adah tweeted, “I’m fine guys. Getting a lot of messages because of the news circulating about our accident. The whole team, all of us are fine, nothing serious, nothing major but thank you for the concern.”

Here’s what Adah Sharma tweeted

I'm fine guys . Getting a lot of messages because of the news circulating about our accident. The whole team ,all of us are fine, nothing serious , nothing major but thank you for the concern ❤️❤️

— Adah Sharma (@adah_sharma) May 14, 2023

For those unaware, the actress has been getting death threats due to the ongoing controversy surrounding The Kerala Story. The film has been facing backlash from a section of political parties and groups who have claimed that it is not based on facts, and propagates hatred against the Muslim community.

Earlier, she thanked the audience for making The Kerala Story a blockbuster despite all the controversies. Adah took to her Twitter handle and wrote, “Discrediting my sincerity, mocking my integrity, threats, our teaser getting shadow banned, the movie getting banned in certain states, slander campaigns launched… BUT you, the audience made #TheKeralaStory the no. 1 female lead movie first week of all time!! Wowww! Audience aap Jeet Gaye. You won and now we go international.”

Have a look

Discrediting my sincerity, mocking my integrity , threats ,
Our teaser getting shadow banned,the movie getting banned in certain states,slander campaigns launched…BUT you ,the audience made #TheKeralaStory the no1 female lead movie first week of all time !!wowww! Audience aap… pic.twitter.com/yxZhTSRq8G

— Adah Sharma (@adah_sharma) May 13, 2023

Adah Sharma’s The Kerala Story creates history; earns Rs 81.36 Cr in 1 week

May 12, 2023, 1:15 pm

Adah Sharma starrer The Kerala Story is going strong at the box office and inches close to entering the 100 crore club now. Minting over Rs 81 crores at the ticket window, the film has created history within its 1st week.

Trade expert Taran Adarsh took to his official Twitter handle and revealed,”#TheKeralaStory puts up a PHENOMENAL TOTAL in Week 1… Day-wise biz – especially on weekdays – is an EYE-OPENER… Fri 8.03 cr, Sat 11.22 cr, Sun 16.40 cr, Mon 10.07 cr, Tue 11.14 cr, Wed 12 cr, Thu 12.50 cr. Total: ₹ 81.36 cr. #India biz. Nett BOC. BLOCKBUSTER. #Boxoffice.” Further, he added, “#TheKeralaStory is sure to collect a much higher number in its Weekend 2 [collected ₹ 35.65 cr in Weekend 1]… Also, the film should comfortably cross ₹ 200 cr in #India, given the trends… Strong possibility of hitting ₹ 250 cr.” No doubt, The Kerala Story is surely doing impressive business at the box office.

Here’s what Taran Adarsh’s tweeted

#TheKeralaStory puts up a PHENOMENAL TOTAL in Week 1… Day-wise biz – especially on weekdays – is an EYE-OPENER… Fri 8.03 cr, Sat 11.22 cr, Sun 16.40 cr, Mon 10.07 cr, Tue 11.14 cr, Wed 12 cr, Thu 12.50 cr. Total: ₹ 81.36 cr. #India biz. Nett BOC. BLOCKBUSTER. #Boxoffice… pic.twitter.com/xLGwso0XCO

— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) May 12, 2023

For those unaware, the film revolves around the stories of Hindu women from Kerala who were converted to Islam and trafficked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The Kerala Story has opened amid controversies and mixed reviews. Adding more details, it has Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support.

Viral Video: Adah Sharma flawlessly recites Shiv Thandav Strotam

May 12, 2023, 12:32 pm

The Kerala Story has already surpassed the Rs 80 crore milestone at the box office in just seven days. The film has been on the radar due to its sensitive subject and is facing several restrictions and threats. In the midst of all of this, Bollywood actress Adah Sharma was seen ringing her 31st birthday at the temple of Shiva. She was spotted magnificently singing the Shiv Tandav Strotam.

The actress celebrated her birthday by sharing a video of herself praying to Lord Shiva in a temple. In the caption of her post, she wrote, “The secret of my energy. The energy that allows me to accept bouquets and face bans. Thank you all of you for making me yours (sic).” In the video, Adah was seen mastering the powerful Shiv Tandav Strotam.

Watch video here

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adah Sharma (@adah_ki_adah)

The video shared by Adah Sharma needless to mention went insanely viral on social media. It has amassed a whopping 3.3 million views and 700k likes. Fans flooded the comment section with praises for the actress. On the work front, the actress appeared in The Kerala Story lately. Next, she will be seen in Shreyas Talpade’s Game of Girgit. In the film, she will play a cop.

Amid Ban Controversy, The Kerala Story’s Adah Sharma Pens Gratitude Note

May 11, 2023, 10:31 am

The ‘Kerala Story’ has been surrounded by various controversies, but it continues to soar high on the wings of success. On Wednesday, Adah Sharma took to her official Instagram handle and shared a post thanking fans for their support. The caption of her post read: “Thank you to all the crores of you who are going to watch our film, thank you for making it trend, thank you for loving my performance. This weekend the 12th #TheKeralaStory releases internationally in 37 countries (or more) #adahsharma.”

Take a look at Adah Sharma’s Instagram post

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adah Sharma (@adah_ki_adah)

Earlier, Adah Sharma shared BTS from the shoot and penned a heartflet note, which read: “Standing ovation in theatres , the honourable PM mentioning our film #TheKeralaStory, critics and audience applauding my performance , HOUSEFULL messages from so many of you, bumper opening ! I could never have dreamed of so much. All your dreams for me are coming true #Greatful.”

Further, the note read: “And for the the few still calling #TheKeralaStory a propaganda film, saying these incidents do not exist even after watching testimonials of several Indian victims and their parents, my humble request, Google two words ISIS and Brides…maybe an account of white girls narrated to you might make you feel that our Indian movie is real.”

Have a look

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adah Sharma (@adah_ki_adah)

For the unversed, in the film, the actress plays the role of Fatima Ba, a Hindu Malayali nurse, who is among the 32,000 women who went missing from Kerala and then recruited to the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) after being forced to convert to Islam.

Anurag Kashyap reacts to banning of The Kerala Story in West Bengal

May 10, 2023, 2:37 pm

Adah Sharma starrer The Kerala Story was released in theatres on May 5. The film faced major backlash in several states. Recently, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, on May 8, banned the screening of the film in the state. Amid the controversy, Anurag Kashyap shared a cryptic post on Tuesday as he shared his thoughts on the ban.

The directed tweeted, “You agree with the film or not, be it propaganda, counter propaganda, offensive or not, to ban it is just wrong.” He added, “You want to fight propaganda. Then go in numbers and see the film that talks against misuse of social media and how inherent prejudice is weaponised to create hatred and unrest. It’s running in cinemas and is called Afwaah. Go make your voice stronger. Go make a point. That’s the right way to fight.” The director shared his tweets with a quote that read: “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.”

Here’s what Anurag Kashyap tweeted

You agree with the film or not, be it propaganda, counter propaganda, offensive or not, to ban it is just wrong. pic.twitter.com/DxNFJC1N4w

— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) May 9, 2023

Earlier, veteran actress Shabana Azmi slammed people and stood in support of the Adah Sharma starrer The Kerala Story. Shabana Azmi took to her official Twitter handle and wrote, “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.”

Producer of ‘The Kerala Story’ should be hanged”: NCP leader Jitendra Awhad

May 9, 2023, 3:55 pm

Amid the ongoing controversy over the movie ‘The Kerala Story’, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Jitendra Awhad on Tuesday said that the producer of the movie should be hanged in public.

“Under the name of ‘The Kerala Story’, a state and its women were defamed. The official figure of three was projected as 32,000. The person who produced this fictional movie should be hanged in public,” NCP leader Awhad said. The movie has been produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah.

Earlier in the day, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit condemned the ban of ‘The Kerala Story’ movie by the West Bengal government and called it a “big attack” on the freedom of expression.

West Bengal became the first state to ban the film, which narrates the ordeal of three women who are trafficked to ISIS camps after being converted to Islam through marriage.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit says West Bengal’s ban on The Kerala Story an ‘attack on freedom of expression’

May 9, 2023, 12:28 pm

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit on Tuesday condemned the ban of ‘The Kerala Story’ movie by the West Bengal government and said called it a “big attack” on the freedom of expression.

This comes a day after the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal banned the film ‘The Kerala Story’ citing “maintenance of peace” and to avoid incidents of “hatred and violence” in the state. Reacting sharply to the ban of the film, Pandit who is also the president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association told the news agency, “I condemn the banning of the film The Kerala Story by the West Bengal government. It’s a big attack on the freedom of expression of a filmmaker. It is sending the wrong signal to the entire country.
West Bengal became the first state to ban the film, which narrates the ordeal of three women who are trafficked to ISIS camps after being converted to Islam through marriage.
There’s a continuing political outcry around the movie even as it has been made tax-free in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh and now Uttar Pradesh, becoming the second state to make the move.
On the decision to ban the film, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “It is to avoid any incident of hatred and violence, and maintain peace in the state.”

Also raking up the ‘Kashmir Files’, a film on the alleged genocide of Kashmiri Pandits, which ran to packed houses despite evoking protests from the Opposition, the Bengal CM said, “What was ‘The Kashmir Files’? It was meant purely to humiliate a particular section of society. What is ‘The Kerala Story’? It is a distorted story.”

The Chief Minister directed the state chief secretary to remove the movie from all theatres where it is being screened.

Reacting to the ban, Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the producer of the film, said they will pursue legal options against the decision.

“If state government won’t listen to us, we will explore legal avenues. However, whatever course we take will be based on legal advice,” Shah told the news agency on Monday.

Helmed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film evoked sharp opposition from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who called it “RSS propaganda”.Congress MP from Kerala, Shashi Tharoor accused the makers of “misrepresenting” Kerala.

Campaigning for the BJP in poll-bound Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, weighed in on the controversy, accusing the Congress of standing with terrorists.

‘The Kerala Story’ stars Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani, and Sonia Balani in lead roles.

A massive controversy erupted around the film after its trailer claimed that 32,000 women from Kerala had gone missing and joined the terrorist group ISIS. However, in the face of protests, the contentious figure in the trailer was later withdrawn.

Bengaluru : BJP chief Nadda to attend special screening of ‘The Kerala Story’

May 7, 2023, 4:11 pm

Amid the ongoing debate over the ‘The Kerala Story’ film, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda will attend a special screening of the movie on Sunday in Karnataka’s Bengaluru where he is campaigning for the party for the upcoming Assembly polls.

The BJP chief will attend the screening at 8.45 pm in the Garuda Mall. Taking to Twitter, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) president Tejasvi Surya said, “‘The Kerala Story’ is an important movie documenting & reflecting social issues of our times, in Kerala & other parts of the country. It has a salient message for our young women. We are inviting young girl students of Bengaluru to join National President of BJP Sri @JPNadda Ji for a special screening of the movie, today evening at 8:45 PM, Inox, Garuda Mall, MG Road.”

Earlier, while addressing a rally in poll-bound Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that ‘The Kerala Story’ movie is based on a terror conspiracy.
The Prime Minister said that the film ‘The Kerala Story’ shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes terrorists’ design. He added that the film is based on a terror conspiracy.
“‘The Kerala Story’ film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes terrorists’ design”, the PM said.He also hit out at the Congress party and said that Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank.

“Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank”, PM Modi said.

Vivek Agnihotri warns The Kerala Story team; Details Inside

May 6, 2023, 4:22 pm

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has given a warning to The Kerala Story’s team. He took to his official Twitter handle and penned a long note.

Vivek tweeted, “CINEMA AND INDIC RENNIASANCE: The Kerala Story. I grew up listening to great filmmakers and cinema critics that the only purpose of art is to provoke people into questioning their own beliefs and biases. I also grew up listening that cinema reflects the reality of a society. I was told that cinema must destroy old Gods and create new Gods.”

The filmmaker also mentioned, “I have come to realise that in modern times cinema has the power to do what media and politics can’t do. It can present uncomfortable reality, correct history, fight culture war and also become the soft power of a nation for larger interest. In India, making such cinema is not easy. I tried it with Buddha in A Traffic Jam, The Tashkent Files and The Kashmir Files. I have been physically, professionally, socially and psychologically assaulted.”

Further, he added, “Even my forthcoming film The Vaccine War, a positive film, celebrating India’s greatest achievement, is constantly being attacked. Mostly by the same people who taught me all the above. When it releases, later this year, I can guarantee they will attack it with a new design because they don’t want India to succeed. Because Truth must not be told. Bharat must not be celebrated. Vipul Shah & @sudiptoSENtlm, @adah_sharma and team of #TheKeralaStory, first let me congratulate you for the brave effort. At the same time, let me also give you the bad news that from here on, your lives will not be the same. You will receive unimaginable hate. Your will feel suffocated. Many times you may get confused and demoralised. But remember, God tests the shoulders on which he can put the responsibility of becoming the change agents.”

The filmmaker concluded his post, “If cinema is a medium to follow your course of Dharma, never stop. Let the community of Indic storytellers grow. Help new, young talented, Indic storytellers. Let this Indic Renaissance become the guiding light of a New Bharat. And whenever you feel nobody is understanding you, remember Gurudev’s lines: Ekla Chalo Re (Go forward alone). Best. Always. With love, VRA.”

Here’s what Vivek Agnihotri tweeted

CINEMA AND INDIC RENNIASANCE:#TheKeralaStory

I grew up listening to great filmmakers and cinema critics that the only purpose of art is to provoke people into questioning their own beliefs and biases.

I also grew up listening that cinema reflects the reality of a society.

I…

— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) May 6, 2023

Kangana Ranaut reacts to Adah Sharma’s ‘The Kerala Story’ row

May 6, 2023, 10:20 am

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut shared her thoughts on the ongoing controversy around Adah Sharma’s The Kerala Story.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adah Sharma (@adah_ki_adah)

At ABP’s Majha Maha Katta event, the actress said in Hindi, “See I have not watched the film but a lot has been tried to ban the film. I read it today, correct me if I am wrong, High Court has said that the film cannot be banned. I think it’s not showing anybody in the bad light but only ISIS, right? If HC, the country’s most responsible body is saying this, then they are right. ISIS is a terrorist organisation. It’s not like I’m calling them terrorist, our country Home Ministry (Ministry of Home Affairs) and other countries as well have called them so.”

Further, she added, “If you think ISIS is not a terrorist outfit despite its declaration then you are also a terrorist.” Kangana continued, “I’m talking about those people who think it’s attacking them, not ISIS. If you think it’s attacking you then you are a terrorist. Maine Kuch Nahi Kaha Bhai, Ye Simple, Maths Hai.”

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Kangana will be next seen in Emergency. Apart from this, she has Tejas in her kitty, where she will be seen as an Indian Air Force pilot. Also, she is producing the upcoming film Tiku Weds Sheru.

PM Modi cites ‘The Kerala Story’, says Congress backing terrorism by opposing film

May 5, 2023, 4:35 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a poll rally in Karnataka on Friday launched an attack on the Congress and accused the Opposition party of opposing “The Kerala Story” film, which he said exposed the consequences of terrorism.

“‘The Kerala Story’ film is based on a terror conspiracy. It shows the ugly truth of terrorism and exposes the design of terrorists”, the PM said adding that Congress is standing with terrorists who are trying to ban the film.
Addressing a rally in Ballari ahead of the upcoming May 10 elections in Karnataka, the Prime Minister also accused the Congress party for shielded terrorism for the vote bank.

“Congress is opposing the film made on terrorism and standing with terror tendencies. Congress has shielded terrorism for the vote bank”, PM Modi said.

“The Congress has kneeled down before the terror outfits when in power. We have suffered because of the violence for very long and the Congress never protected this country from terrorism. I am surprised to see that Congress has succumbed to terrorism for the sake of its vote bank. Can such a party ever save Karnataka?,” PM Modi said.Security system, law and order is the most important requirement to make Karnataka number one state of country, the prime minister said. “It is equally important for Karnataka to remain free from terrorism. BJP has always been tough against terrorism. But Congress gets stomach ache whenever action is taken on terrorism,” PM Modi said.The prime minster also attacked the Congress manifesto released for the Karnataka polls which promised to ban organisations like the Bajrang Dal.

“The Congress is shuddering to see the support we are getting. They get scared even if I say Jai Bajrangbali,” PM Modi said.

Lashing out at the Congress the prime minister said that the Congress had long back accepted that it’s an 85 per cent commission party. “Congress’ former PM Rajiv Gandhi himself told that his government sent 100 paise from Delhi, but only 15 paise reached the poor. In a way, he himself accepted that Congress is a party with 85 per cent commission,” the prime minister said.Meanwhile, the Kerala High Court today refused to issue a stay order on the release of ‘The Kerala Story’.

Amid The Kerala Story Controversy, AR Rahman bats for communal harmony

May 5, 2023, 2:14 pm

AR Rahman on Thursday took to his official Twitter handle and highlighted communal harmony while reacting to a “Kerala Story.” He has reacted to a video on Twitter which shows a Hindu wedding ceremony being held inside a mosque. For the unversed, his tweet came a day before the release of The Kerala Story. Rahman retweeted the video.

Have a look

Here is another #KeralaStory pic.twitter.com/lBUojZ0K3T

— Comrade From Kerala ? (@ComradeMallu) May 3, 2023

The video shows a Hindu couple dressed as bride and groom, tying the knot as per Hindu customs in a mosque in Kerala’s Alappuzha city. The bride’s mother had approached the mosque’s committee for help, and the mosque authority not just agreed to host the wedding but also gifted the bride gold and cash.

Meanwhile, the film released in theatres on Friday. Starring Adah Sharma, The Kerala Story is written and directed by Sudipto Sen, and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. The film claims to be inspired by true stories and that 32,000 women from Kerala were converted to Islam.

Sudipto Sen’s directorial has been creating headlines ever since its trailer was launched. The film revolves around the stories of Hindu women of Kerala who were converted to Islam and trafficked to ISIS and other Islamic war zones in 2018-2019. The trailer of the film triggered protests along with some political parties calling for a ban on the screening of the film.

High Court refuses to stay release of ‘The Kerala Story’ film

May 5, 2023, 1:15 pm

Kerala High Court on Friday refused to issue a stay order on the release of the film ‘The Kerala Story’.

Asserting that secular Kerala society will accept the film for what it is, the High Court today asked petitioners how the movie, which it observed is fiction and not history, would creates sectarianism and conflict in the society?. The court sought to know whether the entire trailer was against society.

“Nothing will happen just because the film is screened. The teaser of the film was released in November. What was offensive in the film? What is wrong in saying that Allah is the only God? The country gives the citizen the right to believe in their religion and God and spread it. What was offensive in the trailer?,” the court observed while considering a batch of petitions seeking to cancel the censor certificate of the film.
“So many movies have already come out about such organizations. There have been references against Hindu monks and Christian priests in many films before. Did you see all this in the way of fiction? What is so special now? How does this movie create sectarianism and conflict in the society?” the court observed.

The petitioners argued that the film would inject poison into the minds of innocent people.The petitioners argued that no agency has yet detected the existence of ‘Love Jihad’ in Kerala.A Division bench comprising of Justice N Nagaresh and Justice Mohammed Nias CP has considered the matter.Helmed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film has triggered a massive political row with various leaders reacting to the upcoming movie.

‘The Kerala Story’ stars Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani and Sonia Balani in the lead roles. The trailer of Sen’s film ‘The Kerala Story’ came under fire as it claimed that 32,000 girls from the state went missing and later joined the terrorist group, ISIS.
Faced with backlash the makers then withdrew the figure and called the movie the story of three women from Kerala, in its trailer description.

Here’s how The Kerala Story beats Selfiee, Kuttey, and Shehzada at the box office

May 5, 2023, 9:51 am

Adah Sharma starrer The Kerala Story witnessed a great response in its advance booking in the national chains by selling over 32,000 tickets in PVR, Inox, and Cinepolis. Also, the film has secured the fifth-highest spot for a Hindi film in 2023 after Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan, Ranbir Kapoor’s Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar, Salman Khan’s Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, and Ajay Devgn’s Bholaa.

The Kerala Story was well-ahead of films like Akshay Kumar’s Selfiee, Kartik Aaryan’s Shehzada, and Arjun Kapoor’s Kuttey. It has been one of the trending topics on social media and among the public due to its controversial topic of conversion into Islam and terrorism.

Many seniors persons in high posts have commented on #TheKeralaStory after watching the 2 minute trailer . My parents have always asked me to respect my elders so with due respect to all of them i hope they can take 2 hrs out of their busy schedule and watch the movie. I'm sure… pic.twitter.com/NkGGxlNrEM

— Adah Sharma (@adah_sharma) May 1, 2023

Directed by Studipto Sen of The Last Monk fame, the film is produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah under his banner Sunshine Pictures. The Kerala Story also features Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, Vijay Krishna, Pranay Pachauri, Pranav Mishra, and Siddhi Idani in prominent roles.

Talking about the reviews, The Daily Guardian gave the film 3 stars. Sudipto Sen’s directorial is quite manipulative. Be a smart audience and ask questions about the content you are watching. Mark its relevancy and check whether it’s substantial. It’s an uncomfortable watch and not in any good way, so you can choose to stay in there.

In the second half of the film, the gorgeous Adah Sharma showcases she has got something in her for an actor but in a very wrong film.

Language: Hindi (With Subtitles)

Available on: In Theatres Near You

Runtime: 138 minutes

Watch or Not? It depends on your ideology. The Kerala Story is not the film where you walk in with a neutral stance. Maybe a neutral mind but not stance; there’s a vast difference.

Share with us your experience of watching Adah Sharma starrer The Kerala Story.

Know more about ‘The Kerala Story’ as Congress leader calls for ban

May 2, 2023, 4:31 pm

Congress leader MM Hassan called for the ban of a movie titled ‘The Kerala Story’ on Tuesday, claiming that it would cause communal divisions in society. In a statement Hassan said that “The movie ‘The Kerala Story’ is produced as part of a Sangh Parivar propaganda.

“Its impression is to create communal divisions in society. This movie will destroy the secular image of Kerala in the world. So we call for a ban on ‘The Kerala Story’. The producer and the director are claiming that it is their creative freedom and justifying this. But it doesn’t mean that in that name they will spread lies and communalize society.”

About The Kerala Story?

The script of The Kerala Story is jointly written by Suryapal Singh, Sudipto Sen and Vipul Amrutlal Sha while it is directed by Sudipto Sen.

The plot of the movie revolves around a group of Kerala women who convert to Islam and join the extremist Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). As per several reports, the movie has sparked outrage for portraying itself as a true story and making false claims about thousands of Kerala women being converted to Islam and recruited into ISIS. Political parties in Kerala are also opposed to the film, claiming it promotes the Sangh Parivar’s agenda.

Cast

For those who are wondering to know more about who will be seen in upcoming movie, let us make it clear, the movie will feature the personalities likes of;

Adah Sharma as Shalini Unnikrishnan/ Fatima Ba
Yogita Bihani as Nimah
Sonia Balani as Asifa
Siddhi Idnani as Geetanjal among many more.

Release Date

If you’re curious to know more about the release of The Kerala Story, let us tell you, the movie is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 5, 2023.

Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s The Kerala Story to release in Cinemas on May 5

April 24, 2023, 4:36 pm

Bollywood ace producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah has announced the release date of his upcoming social drama The Kerala Story. The film stars Adah Sharma in the lead. It will be releasing in theatres on May 5. Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s directorial is a sharp take on the global terror outfit ISIS and their activities in the Indian state of Kerela.

A statement from the makers said, “The Kerela Story is based on a human tragedy as it unearths the events behind approximately 32,000 women going missing in the Indian southern state of Kerala who are converted, radicalised, and deployed in terror missions in India and the world. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Sudipto Sen, the film is a heartbreaking tale of women who are victims of this conspiracy that isn’t just limited to Kerala or India, the director had earlier stated that it was his patriotic duty to expose how thousands of girls were converted and trafficked abroad.”

For the unversed, at the end of 2022, the makers brought out the teaser of the film which created a controversy as it face allegations of showing inaccurate events. The film is bankrolled by Sunshine Pictures Private Limited, founded by Shah who is the producer, creative director and the co-writer of the film.

CPI(M) leader asks Amit Shah to take action against offensive teaser of film ‘The Kerala Story’

November 9, 2022, 4:18 pm

John Brittas, a Rajya Sabha member, wrote to Union home minister Amit Shah requesting that he take action against the preview for Sudipto Sen’s film “The Kerala Story” because it “seriously undermines peace, secularism, and national unity in addition to defaming Kerala.”

Adah Sharma’s character, who is seen as a burqa-clad lady in the contentious teaser, is heard claiming that she was formerly a Hindu woman who had been forcibly converted to Islam, recruited by ISIS, and is now imprisoned in Afghanistan. She continues by saying that 32,000 other Keralan women’s stories were similar to her own.

In the letter to Shah, Brittas said that the widely-circulated teaser that claims to be depicting the story of 32,000 women from Kerala “is absolutely rubbish and fallacious.” He noted with concern that the teaser “may topple down the public tranquillity and the secular fabric of the Nation and intended to defame Kerala.”

“Such dissemination of grossly false information may lead to inconceivable repercussions and unrest in the society and the same will amount to defaming the State as well.”

The CPI(M) leader alleged that the teaser attempts to “picturize a ludicrously fictitious story, claiming as if a true narrative of the actual events.”

“Such deliberate and sinister plot to outrage the religious feelings and promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and upsetting the public tranquility and prejudicial to the national-integration are to be dealt with an iron-fist and attracts culpable responsibility as per various criminal Statutes including, but not limited to, Sections 153A, 153B, 295A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860,” the letter read.

Brittas further charged the director with intentionally misrepresenting the words of two former chief ministers in order to “weave a malicious thread for the purported movie.”

At no stretch of imagination, these narratives could be considered as accidental, but are consciously intended to defame Kerala and to create polarization in the society. Such mischievous actions are to be nipped in the bud,” he added, urging the ministry to take swift action on the issue.

Meanwhile, Anil Kant, the director general of police in Kerala, issued a directive ordering Thiruvananthapuram police commissioner Sparjan Kumar to file an FIR against the cast and crew of the movie “The Kerala Story” for allegedly presenting the state as a safe haven for terrorists, while a journalist from Tamil Nadu named BR Arvindakshan also wrote to the head of the nation’s film certification board, Prasoon Joshi, and others two days ago asking for a ban on the film unless the producers provide sufficient evidence to support their allegation.

DGP files FIR against ‘The Kerala Story’ after offensive film teaser creates anger

November 9, 2022, 3:48 pm

Anil Kant, the director general of police in Kerala, issued a directive on Tuesday ordering Thiruvananthapuram police commissioner Sparjan Kumar to file an FIR against the cast and crew of the movie “The Kerala Story” for allegedly presenting the state as a safe haven for terrorists.

In a decade, according to the movie’s teaser, more than 32,000 women from the southern state were converted, with the majority of them being sent to Islamic State-controlled territory in Syria and Afghanistan. Sudipto Sen is the director, and VA Shah is the producer, of the movie.

A journalist from Tamil Nadu named BR Arvindakshan wrote to the head of the nation’s film certification board, Prasoon Joshi, and others two days ago asking for a ban on the film unless the producers provide sufficient evidence to support their allegation.

Also receiving a copy of the complaint was Kerala’s chief minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, who forwarded it on to the DGP.

I have sent a mail to the Kerala CM and DGP asking them call the director of “The Kerala Story” Sudipto Sen and investigate the veracity of the teaser,” Arvindakshan posted on his Twitter account.

Later in the letter to the CM, he said the film was against the unity and integrity of the country which will also tarnish the intelligence agencies.

The assertions mentioned in the teaser, according to the police, were made with the intent of tarnishing the state’s reputation and fostering animosity among various communities.

A senior police officer said a case was registered under Sections 153 A &B (promoting disharmony and enmity between different groups based on the ground of faith) and other sections of the Indian penal code.

According to reports, the movie was based on the story of four missing women from Kerala’s north who were found in jails in Afghanistan after their husbands were purportedly killed. The authority to bring them home had been denied two years prior by the ministry of external affairs.

A woman in a veil identified herself as Shalini Unnikrishnan alias Fathima Ba from Kerala and stated in the teaser that she was one of 32,000 converted women from the state who had been deployed to Syria and Yemen to fight for the Islamic State.