The buzz from the 71st National Film Awards is still echoing, but for one movie, the applause mixes with loud protests. ‘The Kerala Story,’ directed by Sudipto Sen and starring Adah Sharma, recently snagged two top honors. It won Best Director for Sudipto Sen. The film also received an award for Best Cinematography. While many fans are cheering these wins, a growing chorus of disapproval has started to speak up.
The National Film Awards this year honored movies released in 2023. ‘The Kerala Story’ was among them. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly objected to the film winning Best Director and Best Cinematography. Other political figures have also voiced their dissent. Now, the FTII Student Association has joined the critics, adding their strong condemnation.
FTII Student Association Calls It ‘Dangerous’
According to news agency PTI, the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Student Association sharply condemned the decision to give ‘The Kerala Story’ National Film Awards. They stated that this government-backed recognition is not just disappointing, but also “dangerous.” The 2023 film stirred major controversy. It claimed to show the reality of women in Kerala being forcibly converted and recruited by the terrorist group Islamic State.
‘This Film Isn’t a Film, It’s a Weapon’
In their statement, the FTII Student Association declared that ‘The Kerala Story’ is not a film, but a weapon. They said that the state has made its position clear once again. If propaganda aligns with its majoritarian, hate-filled agenda, it will be rewarded. The association argued, “‘The Kerala Story’ is not a film, it is a weapon. It is a false narrative designed to defame the Muslim community.” They added it aims to tarnish an entire state historically known for communal harmony, education, and resistance.
Students Say, ‘We Will Not Stay Silent’
The student body’s statement continued, “When a government institution promotes a film that spreads misinformation and fear against minorities, it isn’t just recognizing art.” They warned that it is “validating violence.” They believe such acts are “writing the script for future lynchings, social exclusion, and political discrimination.” The students further stated, “We refuse to believe that Islamophobia is now worthy of awards.” They also vowed, “We refuse to stay silent.” They expressed concern that the industry they hope to join is being reshaped to reward “lies, bigotry, and fascist ideology.” “We, as students and citizens,” they concluded, “will not stop calling it what it is.”
Other Leaders Also Object
It’s worth noting that Congress leader K. C. Venugopal also protested ‘The Kerala Story’ receiving a National Award. He called it an example of promoting a hate-filled agenda. Additionally, Kerala’s General Education Minister, V. Sivankutty, objected to the award on social media. He criticized the jury members’ decision to honor the film.