Ban Controversy Surrounds Film Tackling Sensitive Themes

In a surprising turn of events, the Bollywood film 'The Kerala Story' has surpassed expectations to become the second highest grossing Hindi film of 2023, following the blockbuster hit 'Pathan' starring Shah Rukh Khan. Despite its controversial subject matter, the film has managed to captivate audiences and rake in impressive box office earnings.

 

                           photo:google image

With a worldwide collection of over 1000 crores, 'Pathan' initially held the top spot. However, 'The Kerala Story' has now taken the lead, amassing a total of 156.69 lakh rupees in just 12 days, despite being banned in several states across India. This remarkable achievement is even more significant considering the film's modest budget of 30 to 35 crores.

 

'The Kerala Story' has overtaken Ranbir Kapoor's 'Tu Jhuthi Mai Makkar' as the third film to gross over 100 crores, having earned a staggering 147 crore 28 lakh rupees thus far. Following closely behind is Salman Khan's 'Kisika Bhai Kisiki Jaan,' which has collected 109 crore 29 lakhs despite its production cost of 180 crores.

 

Directed by Sudipto Sen, 'The Kerala Story' delves into the sensitive and contentious subject of religious conversion and its connection to terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The film narrates the story of a Hindu girl who is converted to Islam and subsequently recruited by extremist groups, offering a thought-provoking exploration of these issues.

 

Featuring a talented ensemble cast including Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, Siddhi Adlani, Vijay Krishna, Pranay Pachauri, Pranav Mishra, and others, 'The Kerala Story' has managed to generate significant buzz and intrigue among moviegoers. Despite minimal pre-release publicity, the film's box office success indicates a strong public interest in its unique narrative and thought-provoking themes.

 

However, it is worth noting that the film has faced its fair share of controversies, resulting in bans in various states throughout India. Its portrayal of sensitive and contentious topics has sparked debates and discussions among both critics and audiences. Nonetheless, 'The Kerala Story' continues to draw audiences in large numbers, reflecting the public's appetite for films that tackle challenging and controversial subjects.

 

As the film's journey at the box office unfolds, it remains to be seen how much further it will push the boundaries of commercial success while provoking important discussions about its subject matter.