Kerala HC refuses to stay on The Kerala Story, producer to remove claim in teaser

The Kerala Story starring Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani and Sonia Balani has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. Since the trailer was released, the film has received a massive response on social media. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan even denounced the makers for ‘spreading hate propaganda against the state’. The film revolves around a group of women from Kerela who join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Several petitions have been filed to obtain coercive action against the film’s release and exploitation. The Kerala High Court has today refused to issue a delay order for the release of the movie ‘The Kerala Story’.

The Supreme Court refuses to delay the release of The Kerala Story

The petitions were filed in response to a teaser of the film that was recently released and shows innocent girls being lured and converted to Islam over a period of time. The petitioners claimed that the film, which claims to be based on true events, is “false and misleading” and is likely to harm religious feelings and spread hatred between communities in India. Several petitioners also equated the film with hate speech. The petitions were first submitted to the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution of India. However, the Honorable Supreme Court ruled that the petitioners could apply to the appropriate Supreme Court with jurisdiction.

Later, the case went to Kerela High Court and Chennai High Court. Mr. Ameet Naik, Managing Partner of Naik, Naik and Company represented the producers of the film Vipul Shah and Sunshine Pictures Pvt. Ltd. and opposed the granting of any waivers against the film’s release and exploitation. Mr Naik pointed out that the film contains a disclaimer that it is fiction and makes no claim to ‘historical and factual accuracy’. He also pointed out that CBFC, a statutory body authorized to certify films, has determined that the film complies with its guidelines and is suitable for public viewing.

Both courts declined to grant any relief against the filmmakers and the film. The Division Bench of Kerela High Court, after viewing the film’s teaser and trailer, noted that there are no allegations against Islam and there is nothing offensive to any particular community as a whole. The court also noted that the film contains an appropriate disclaimer and has been certified by the CBFC as suitable for public viewing. The courts refused to grant any postponement of the film’s release and screening.

After being surrounded by controversy, the movie has finally been released worldwide today. Netizens are extremely impressed with Adah’s solid performance. The film is getting huge support on social media.

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