New Delhi: The Kerala Story, featuring Adah Sharma and directed and written by Sudipto Sen, has stayed in the spotlight since its producers revealed its controversial teaser. The plot revolves around the forcible conversion of non-Muslim females in Kerala. It has been charged of “falsely claiming” that 32,000 women were converted and sent on terror operations.
While the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) deemed it fit for public viewing, a slew of petitions requesting a halt to its distribution were submitted.
Despite this, the film eventually entered theatres on Friday.
Adah’s controversial film, which debuted in cinemas on May 5 amid controversy, allegedly earned Rs 7.50-8 crore on its first day. As a result, the multi-lingual picture had the fifth-highest opening for a Hindi film in 2023.
It would be fascinating to watch if favorable word of mouth helps the picture smash box office records. Sudipto Sen’s The Kerala Story appears to be in excellent hands for the time being.
Pathaan (Rs 55 crore), Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (Rs 15.81 crore), Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor’s romantic drama TJMM (Rs 15.7 crore), and Ajay Devgn’s Bholaa (Rs 11.20 crore) are the other highest openings this year.
It is worth mentioning that the year 2023 has not been kind to Hindi-language films. Much-touted masala blockbusters like Shehzada, starring Kartik Aaryan, and the Akshay Kumar-Emraan Hashmi comedy Selfiee did not do as well as Adah’s The Kerala Story.