New Delhi: After half a month-long contentious debates, Sudipto Sen’s most anticipated film The Kerela Story finally opened at the theatre. And surprisingly, the film performed better than expectations on its day 1.
Adah Sharma’s film collected over Rs. 8 crores, surpassing the day one collection of an equally controversial film Kashmir Files.
While critics have pinpointed the factual inaccuracies about the initial 32,000 missing women data, the audience has backed up the film.
If we look at Twitter, Sudipto Sen’s directorial has left the majority of the viewers impressed.
One user wrote a detailed review of The Kerela Story and made a strong prediction that it will earn more than The Kashmir Files because of its mind-numbing story.
Finished watching Kerala Story. Here’s what I thought.
I didn’t walk in expecting much. Expectedly the movie has the subtlety of a Bolero fitted with a Tractor engine. In the first half, The cast just talks about one thing. Religion. It even passes the Bechdel test, 4 college…
— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) May 6, 2023
On a similar note, another user wrote “The Kerela Story left me numb…All Hindu girls should watch it.”
I am numb after watching movie ‘The Kerala Story’. Can’t even imagine that this is a real story based on facts. Every Hindu girl should see this movie to safeguard their own interst. Sanatan Dharma is the best, be proud that you are born in Sanatan family. Don’t ever leave it.
— Khushi??Mai bhi Modi (@love_liv_laf) May 6, 2023
Not just ordinary people, but celebrities have also reacted to this controversial film.
As the topic is hot, some users are digging up old stories of forced conversions and brainwashing by terrorist organizations.
The victims of love jehad speaking. These girls were once converted. They came back and now dedicated themselves in fight against this threat. Those who says ‘Kerala Story’ is not true, listen to what these girls say. pic.twitter.com/1Bp8vsQZGq
— Pratheesh Viswanath (@pratheesh_Hind) May 5, 2023
However, some users are also sharing instances of communal harmony in the multi-ethnic state.
The Kerala Story ! (This is a 4 year old post, but the message speaks for itself)
This Muslim couple – Abdullah & Khadija – from Kasargod, Kerala adopted a 10-yr-old Hindu girl when she lost her parents. pic.twitter.com/qbktyoTnHL— P B Jijeesh (@jijeeshpb) May 6, 2023
AR Rahman also retweeted a video sharing the same sentiment. The video shows a Hindu couple getting married inside a mosque. The viral clip was captioned, “Here’s another Kerela Story”.
Bravo ?? love for humanity has to be unconditional and healing ❤️? https://t.co/X9xYVMxyiF
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) May 4, 2023
In his retweet, AR Rahman wrote, “Bravo.”
Meanwhile, as per the predictions by film trade analysts, The Kerela Story will see an influx in footfalls. Amidst all this, the Sudipto Sen film has been made tax-free in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh.
