The Kerala Story’ Wins Two National Awards Amid Political Row; Kerala CM Slams Jury
The Kerala Story was among the prominent winners for Bollywood at the 71st National Film Awards, announced on Friday. The film bagged two major awards — Best Director and Best Cinematography. However, even as the team behind the film celebrated, the win sparked a political controversy, with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticising the jury’s decision.
The film, starring Adah Sharma in the lead role, has been a subject of debate since its release.
Kerala CM Criticises Jury for Honouring Controversial Film
The controversial film, which focuses on alleged religious conversions in Kerala, was strongly opposed by CM Vijayan and his party when it was released in 2023. Following the announcement of the awards, the CM took to X (formerly Twitter) and alleged that the recognition “lent credibility” to a narrative shaped by the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar.
“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 Awards 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,” the Chief Minister posted.
