The Kerela Story has started its 2nd week on a good note. I am sure the movie will cross the Rs. 100 crore mark. Director Sudipto Sen says he ‘feels more responsible, blessed.’
The movie has been facing a ban in West Bengal since May 8th. It has been made tax free in UP, MP and Haryana. People are loving the movie and despite the controversies, the theatres are pulling crowds. The movie is about non-Muslim women forced to join ISIS. A massive controversy gained momentum after the trailer was released, claiming that 32,000 women from Kerela had gone missing and joined the ISIS. Later the figure was withdrawn.
Devoleena Bhattacharjee, an actor shared her views about the movie, “It’s not always like that. My husband is a Muslim and came with me to watch the movie and he appreciated it. He neither took it as an offence nor he felt it was against his religion. And I feel that’s how every Indian should be.”
The movie does an excellent job of creating awareness in society about the dangers of radicalization. It draws attention to how humans can be manipulated and victimized.
The direction, screenplay and performances are awesome. Despite being a serious topic, the story keeps us engrossed and we can relate to the emotions that must have run through the people involved on this journey.
Adah Sharma’s performance is remarkable. Her transformation into the character of Shalini/ Fatima is brilliant. The saga of a college girl wanting to be a nurse to a terrorist is a powerful story with a wide array of emotions.
It’s a thrilling and an interesting watch. Try watching it.
