Mamata Banerjee bans `The Kerala Story` in West Bengal

West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced a ban on the Sudipto Sen directorial film, "The Kerala Story". The film found itself caught up in controversy since the release of its trailer. The trailer was criticised for claiming that 32,000 girls from Kerala had gone missing and joined the terrorist group, ISIS.

ANI quoted Mamata Banerjee saying, "West Bengal government has decided to ban the movie, 'The Kerala Story'. This is to avoid any incidents of hatred and violence, and to maintain peace in the state."

She also added, "What is 'The Kashmir Files'? It is to humiliate one section. What is 'The Kerala story'?... It is a distorted story."

After the decision was made, the film's producer, Vipul Shah said, "If that is what she has done, we will take legal action. Whatever is possible under the provisions of law, we will fight."

Recently, "The Kerala Story" was pulled from theatres in Tamil Nadu. The President of Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association, M Subramaniam, confirmed the decision, telling the media, "The film was only shown in a few multiplexes owned by pan-India groups, mostly PVR. Locally-owned multiplexes had already decided not to show the film, as it did not have any popular stars. In Coimbatore for instance, there were two shows so far -- one on Friday and one on Saturday. Even those did not do well. Given that, theatres decided that it was not worth going through the threat of protests and such."

"The Kerala Story" stars Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani and Sonia Balani in the lead roles. Helmed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film triggered political disputes, with many calling it 'a propaganda film'.

Earlier, the Kerala High Court had noted that the producers had published a disclaimer along with the movie, which specifically states that the film is fictional and is a dramatised version of actual events. The same court also mentioned that "The Kerala Story" does not claim to be accurate or factual about historic events.

While many were seeking a ban on the film, the High Court refused to issue a stay order on the release of the film. "The Kerala Story" has already collected Rs 16 crore at the domestic box office on the third day of its release. This takes their total earning to over Rs 35 since its release on May 5.

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