New Delhi: Sudipto Sen’s directorial ‘The Kerala Story’ running successfully in theatres is evoking sharp reactions from politicians, with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader being the latest to wade into the row. NCP leader Jitendra Awhad made a highly controversial statement today by saying, ‘the producer of Kerala Story should be hanged as the movie is only spreading hatred.’ The Kerala Story has been directed by Sudipto Sen & produced by acclaimed filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah and has Adah Sharma as the lead actor in film. The NCP leader made the shocking statement during a media briefing. Awhad, a former cabinet minister in Maharasthra government claimed that the movie was all about false propaganda & aimed at polarizing communities. #Maharashtra NCP leader Jitendra Awhad (@Awhadspeaks) says #TheKeralaStory producer 'must be hanged to death' pic.twitter.com/lvjJL2zzAc — Free Press Journal (@fpjindia) May 9, 2023 “The makers have insulted the women of Kerala and also trying to malign the image of state,” he told mediapersons. He said that ‘The Kerala Story’ film makers have distorted facts and presented a fake & highly inflated number of women joining Islamic State (ISIS). Stepping up his offensive, he said, “The producer of movie should be hanged to death in middle of road” NCP neta Jitendra Awhad is not new to controversy. Days ago, he made disparaging remarks on Hindu rituals and claimed that “festivals like Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti are made for riots only.” The controversial rant by NCP neta Jitendra Awhad comes a day after West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announcing a ban on the movie ‘for public safety & peace’. Notably, the movie is about to cross Rs 50 crore mark in earnings within 4 days of release This indicates movie’s roaring business at the Box Office. Also, it has been made tax-free in 2 states – Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh.
