“The Kerala Story” is a film that sparked controversy even before its release, capturing attention with its provocative premise. Director Sudipto Sen delves into a narrative that revolves around the disappearance of thousands of women in Kerala, who allegedly converted to Islam and engaged in terrorist activities. While the courts permitted its release, the film faced criticism and legal challenges.
The movie centers around three nursing students and their unfortunate journey. The director attempts to shed light on how innocent non-Muslim girls are lured into joining the Islamic State, manipulated by a terrorist organization that promises salvation through faith. However, the execution of the story lacks the cinematic impact and character development needed to captivate the audience.
The plot unfolds through a mix of past and present sequences, with one character, Shalini (portrayed by Adah Sharma), narrating her story from an Afghan jail. Unfortunately, the pacing feels stretched, with repetitive scenes and excessive dialogues surrounding religion, gods, and beliefs. The director’s biased perspective is evident, as non-Muslim characters are portrayed positively, while others are depicted negatively, conveying a sense of partiality.
“The Kerala Story” is not devoid of controversies, featuring scenes, dialogues, and characters that may be considered offensive and disturbing. Gruesome acts of violence, including dismemberment, sexual assault, and the dissemination of nude videos, are depicted on screen. It raises questions about the approval process of the censor board, as such content can be unsettling for viewers.
Certain scenes within the film feel forced and disconnected from the overall narrative. For instance, Shalini’s pregnancy revelation and subsequent marriage to an unknown person are presented without proper context, creating a disjointed viewing experience. These moments appear inserted rather than seamlessly integrated into the story.
One notable aspect of “The Kerala Story” is Adah Sharma’s remarkable performance. Her portrayal of Shalini is natural and impactful, effectively conveying fear, anger, innocence, and concern through her expressive eyes. Sharma’s skillful delivery and her ability to speak Hindi with a Kerala accent add authenticity to her character. Additionally, Sonia Balani’s portrayal of Ashifa and the performances of Yogita and Siddi bring some merit to the film.
The film benefits from the unique and natural locations chosen for shooting, including the borders of Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq. These locales contribute to the story’s unsettling atmosphere. The background music by Viresh Sriwalsa and Visakh Jyoti complements the narrative, enhancing the overall experience. The production values align with the demands of the story, adding credibility to the film.
Despite its controversial nature and the important real-life events it aims to portray, “The Kerala Story” fails to deliver the necessary drama and cinematic impact. Instead, it has become a contentious film that sparks debates rather than pleasing the audience.