Sign In
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
By signing in or creating an account, you agree with Associated Broadcasting Company's Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Thiruvananthapuram: The announcement of the 71st national award was not received well in Kerala. The jury’s decision to award controversial film ‘The Kerala Story’ with two honors, including Best Director for Sudipto Sen, did not sit well with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and opposition leader VD Satheeshan harshly criticizing the jury.
“By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala’s image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury of the national film award has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar. Kerala, a land that has always stood as a beacon of harmony and resistance against communal forces, has been gravely insulted by this decision. It is not just Malayalis, but everyone who believes in democracy, must raise their voice in defence of truth and the constitutional values we hold dear,” said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in his X account
CM Vijayan issued a strongly worded statement condemning the jury’s choice. He said the award “insults the noble tradition of Indian cinema”, which has historically championed secularism, harmony and national unity. Instead, he argued, by rewarding ‘The Kerala Story’, the jury had legitimised a film designed to defame Kerala and sow discord.
However, discontent was not just confined to Chief minister and leader of opposition. General Education Minister V Sivankutty wrote on X that recognising The Kerala Story, “a film that spreads hate and baseless allegations,” undermines all other awards. Leader of Opposition VD Satheeshan echoed similar sentiments, accusing the BJP government of using the awards as a vehicle for its “hate campaign”.
Actor Adah Sharma starred in The Kerala Story, directed by Sudipto Sen and released in 2023. The film narrates the story of three women from Kerala, portraying them as victims of so-called “love jihad”.
