Reacting to criticism from Congress MP Shashi Tharoor regarding the film ‘The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’, Jammu & Kashmir Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma emphasized that if the movie presents facts accurately, there should be no issue. Sharma highlighted that the film portrays conversions and atrocities that occurred, stating that any inaccuracies can be contested.
Tharoor had earlier expressed concerns about the sequel, alleging that it, like its predecessor, promotes divisive narratives without a factual basis, potentially fueling societal discord. He specifically questioned the depiction of large-scale religious conversions in the films, suggesting that the numbers provided were exaggerated.
In response to the controversy, PDP MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi criticized the film industry for allegedly dehumanizing Muslims and perpetuating negative stereotypes. On a different note, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo condemned the political environment in Kerala, citing incidents of appeasement, religious conversion, and crimes against Hindu and Christian girls by radical Muslim groups.
Purnia MP Pappu Yadav raised concerns about the politicization of cinema, questioning whether the BJP is influencing the content of films like ‘The Kerala Story 2’. He pondered whether independent institutions have been compromised for political gain and expressed worries about the potential misuse of films to spread hatred and shape specific narratives.
The ongoing debate surrounding ‘The Kerala Story 2’ underscores broader anxieties about the intertwining of cinema, politics, and societal narratives in India. Leaders from various political parties have voiced their opinions on the implications of films addressing sensitive religious and cultural themes.
