Overview
A converted Muslim woman Fatima narrates her ordeal of how she once wanted to become a nurse but was abducted from her home and manipulated by religious vanguards and turned into an ISIS terrorist and landed in Afghanistan jail.
The Kerala Story: A controversial film that raises important questions
The Kerala Story is a 2023 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. It stars Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani. The plot follows a group of women from Kerala who are coerced into converting to Islam and joining the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Marketed as a true story, the film is premised on the Hindutva conspiracy theory of “love jihad”, and falsely claims that thousands of Hindu women from Kerala have been converted to Islam and recruited in ISIS.
The film was released in theatres on 5 May 2023 and received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the performances of the lead actresses, while others criticized the film’s Islamophobic messaging and its promotion of the “love jihad” conspiracy theory.
The Kerala Story is a controversial film, but it raises important questions about religious extremism and the radicalization of women. It is also a reminder of the dangers of Islamophobia and the importance of critical thinking when consuming media.
Critical analysis of the film
The Kerala Story is a well-made film with strong performances from the lead actresses. However, it is also a deeply Islamophobic film that promotes the “love jihad” conspiracy theory. This theory has been used by Hindu nationalists to justify violence against Muslims in India.
The film begins by introducing us to Shalini Unnikrishnan, a college student in Kerala. Shalini falls in love with a Muslim man named Atif. Atif is portrayed as a charming and manipulative individual who uses his charisma to lure Shalini into converting to Islam. After converting, Shalini is taken to Afghanistan and forced to marry an ISIS fighter.
The film then follows Shalini’s journey as she tries to escape from ISIS. Along the way, she meets other women who have been similarly radicalized and trafficked. The film ends with Shalini being rescued by Indian forces.
The Kerala Story is a disturbing film that depicts the horrific experiences of women who have been radicalized by ISIS. However, it is important to note that the film’s portrayal of ISIS is based on the “love jihad” conspiracy theory, which is a false and dangerous narrative.
Conclusion
The Kerala Story is a controversial film that raises important questions about religious extremism and the radicalization of women. However, it is also a deeply Islamophobic film that promotes the “love jihad” conspiracy theory. It is important to watch the film with critical thinking and to be aware of its biases.