A Muslim body has approached the Supreme Court of India seeking a direction to the Centre and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to stop the screening and release of the movie “The Kerala Story” in theatres and on OTT platforms. The body has claimed that the movie portrays the Muslim community in a negative light and could potentially incite communal tensions.
Background
“The Kerala Story” is a Malayalam film directed by S. Mahesh and produced by S. Sreekumar. The film tells the story of a group of Muslims who face discrimination and violence in the southern state of Kerala. The trailer of the film, which was released earlier this year, sparked controversy and was accused of promoting “love jihad” – a term used by some Hindu groups to describe alleged efforts by Muslim men to convert Hindu women through marriage.
Muslim Body’s Petition
The petition, filed by the Muslim Youth League of India, argues that the movie’s portrayal of Muslims is “inaccurate, misleading, and damaging” and could “cause irreparable harm to the community’s reputation and social fabric.” The body also claims that the movie violates the provisions of the Cinematograph Act, which prohibits the screening of any movie that is “prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities.”
The petition has requested the Supreme Court to direct the Centre and the CBFC to not allow the screening and release of the movie in any theatre or on any OTT platform. It has also sought the appointment of an expert panel to review the movie and determine whether it violates the provisions of the Cinematograph Act.
Response From Filmmakers
The filmmakers of “The Kerala Story” have defended the movie, stating that it is a work of fiction and does not intend to portray any community in a negative light. They have also stated that the movie has been approved by the CBFC and has received a U/A certificate, which means that it is suitable for viewers above the age of 12.
The CBFC has not yet responded to the petition filed by the Muslim Youth League of India. However, it is worth noting that the board has previously banned movies that were deemed to be “offensive” or “inflammatory.” In 2018, the CBFC banned the release of the movie “Padmaavat” in several Indian states after protests by Hindu groups.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding “The Kerala Story” highlights the ongoing tensions between different religious and ethnic groups in India. It also raises questions about the role of the CBFC in regulating movies and ensuring that they do not promote hatred or intolerance. The outcome of the Muslim Youth League of India’s petition is uncertain, but it is likely to spark further debate and discussion about the portrayal of minorities in Indian cinema.
