Daijiworld Media Network – Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 1: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sharply criticised the Centre and the National Film Awards jury for honouring The Kerala Story, a controversial film that he alleges maligns the state's image and promotes communal division.

The film, which won Best Director and Best Cinematography at the 71st National Film Awards, explores alleged cases of forced religious conversion in Kerala for ISIS recruitment — a subject the CM dismissed as misinformation.

In a strongly worded post on X, Vijayan accused the jury of endorsing the ideology of the Sangh Parivar. "By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala's image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury has lent legitimacy to a divisive narrative," he wrote.

"Kerala, a land that has always stood for harmony and resistance against communal forces, has been insulted by this decision. All who value democracy must raise their voices to defend truth and constitutional values," he added.

Echoing the chief minister’s concerns, Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty said the recognition "diminishes the value of the national awards" and labelled the film “hate propaganda” aimed at dividing society.

Directed by Sudipto Sen and starring Adah Sharma, The Kerala Story was released in 2023 and portrays three women from Kerala as victims of 'love jihad'. The film has drawn political backing from the BJP, which has been working to expand its presence in the traditionally Left-dominated state.