The controversial Bollywood film 'The Kerala Story' stirred up a storm despite opposition from the ruling CPI(M) and Congress in Kerala. Despite their protests, Doordarshan aired the movie at 8 pm, sparking further outcry.
In response, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the CPI(M), disseminated a video titled 'The Kerala Story True or Fake?' by YouTuber Dhruv Rathee to debunk the movie's narrative. Simultaneously, the youth Congress organized a protest march to the Doordarshan office against the broadcast.
Prior to the airing, both the CPI(M) and Congress lodged complaints with the Election Commission of India, alleging that the movie's broadcast could polarize society along religious lines. They urged the poll panel to intervene and halt its screening.
However, the BJP defended the movie's theme as authentic and questioned the opposition's stance. V D Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, wrote to the Election Commission, urging them to direct Doordarshan to retract its decision, labeling the movie as "extremely malicious" and part of a divisive agenda.
CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan echoed concerns about the movie's potential impact on the election atmosphere, citing its divisive nature and timing. He emphasized the need to prevent any incitement of communal tensions during the election period.
Meanwhile, BJP state chief K Surendran accused the Left and Congress of playing vote bank politics and asserted the reality of the movie's narrative regarding ISIS recruitment in Kerala.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned Doordarshan's decision, urging the broadcaster to withdraw the screening, citing concerns about exacerbating communal tensions.
In response, the CPI(M) criticized Doordarshan for aligning with BJP's purported attempt to polarize Kerala's secular society.
Despite the controversy, the Kerala High Court had previously declined to stay the movie's release, stating that the trailer did not contain anything offensive to any particular community. However, the film's claims about conversions and radicalization faced scrutiny and criticism.
The movie's release in 2023 also sparked strong protests from the CPI(M) and Congress, reflecting the contentious nature of its narrative.
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