This one has to be the boldest film ever made in Bollywood. This has been one of the most difficult films for me to review. Before reviewing the film I request each and every one to watch this one merely as a film and not more than that. Would like to request everyone to not indulge in any kind of religious or political debates and don’t try to spread any kind of hatred.
The Kerala Story is based on a true story and makers have shown each and everything in such a bold way that it’s too disturbing for a viewer to watch. The film was in headlines since the release of its trailer and after the release I am very sure that this film will be more in the news. The Kerala Story makers have attempted and made such a subject which is going to shatter and break down the audiences by looking at the atrocities faced by those young girls and some will hate it for being so open and bold. The topic of the film is very controversial and will hurt religious sentiments for sure. Want to tell you one thing that what you have seen in the trailer is nothing, the film has much more to it.
The plot of The Kerala Story mainly revolves around the 3 girls belonging from the different parts of Kerala who are converted to Islam and join ISIS. The film showcases how the 3 young girls Shalini aka Fatima (Adah Sharma), Nimah (Yogita Bihani) and (Geetanjali) Siddhi Idnani who are nurses are brainwashed by 1 of their roommate named Asifa (Sonia Balani) who follows Islam. The girls are brainwashed to such an extent that they forget their parents, their religion and everything. After being used by their Islamic partners, they are being told to get converted to Islam without any choice. The girls are made pregnant and are given drugs leaving them with no other choice but to get marry and get converted or else attempt suicide. The film exposes how the girls are being used as suicide bombers and sex slaves in the name of religion. The atrocities faced by the girls are very brutal, shocking and bold which can’t be imagined in our dreams. To get all the answers and watch what conspiracy has been hatched, how educated people are being brainwashed, how the girls are tortured, how their lives are destroyed watch the film.
One thing I liked is, till date we have seen many films showing only the male youngsters being used as a tool in the name of religion and how they are brainwashed and are made a demon in the name of religion. The Kerala Story is that one rare film which tells the story of women that how they are trapped and being used a suicide bomber or sex slaves in the name of religion. What all atrocities these women face and how they are forced to change their religion. They are brainwashed to such an extent that they forget their parents, their religion and everything.
The most shocking thing about The Kerala Story is that it’s hard to believe that Kerala which is regarded as the most educated state of India where majority of young educated people are being brainwashed. An educated person being brainwashed in such a bad manner is very hard to see.
The extent to which they have shown the atrocities in The Kerala Story, you will feel like killing those villains and won’t be able to digest the show going on-screen. You feel so much for the characters because the way they are tortured is shown in such a brutal, shocking and bold manner.
Adah Sharma plays the toughest, challenging, bold and bravest role of her career. The Kerala Story is going to remain the most memorable film (in a good or a bad way) in her career. Adah Sharma delivers a powerful performance and nails her Malayali accent. The script and content was so strong that anyone could have pulled the character but Adah has really done very well as we have not seen her in any acting driven roles till date. Yogita Bihani excels in her part and gets a good scope to explore her talent. Siddhin Idnani is as natural as she can be and plays her part well. The most hated character in the film is played by Sonia Balani. There’s not a single frame in which Sonia appears will not be hated by the audience. Sonia plays her villainous part so well. Devadarshini portrays her part well and this was a tailor made role for her. The remaining cast of Vijay Krishna, Pranay Pachauri and Pranav Misshra have performed their parts well. The rest have also been fantastic in their small roles. Mukesh Chhabra can hardly go wrong in the casting department.
Sudipto Sen’s direction is good but has some flaws. Editing could have been better by cutting some unnecessary scenes. The framework looks a little poor due to the low budget, but the hard-hitting and strong content will make you forget that. Writing is good but should have been handled with care by not being so bold.
Salute to the makers for attempting such a subject and uncover the truth which was kept hidden. The thing which makers should have taken care of The Kerala Story is that it shouldn’t have been too bold and open. You can’t show such delicate thing very openly and in a bold manner. Bashing in each and every scene was not required much. The way the subject is handled can create controversy, riots and debates all over the nation. The Kerala Story being not only the story of Kerala but the whole nation should have been handled with a little care. If you’re making a film on such an universal subject you have to consider people’s emotions and should not go beyond that line. The Kerala Story has been so brutal in showcasing the facts. Are people ready for such kinds of films? Is this film really the need of the hour? Are people able to digest such kinds of stuff? We will get answers to all the above questions in the coming days.
If you are planning to watch this film, do watch it as a film and not much more than that. After the completion of the film you won’t be able to sleep because the film won’t get out of your head and it’s hard to digest these facts. People who don’t like such hard-hitting and bold subjects should stay away from this one as it has disturbing visuals. Want to say that don’t compare it with The Kashmir Files or any other film and watch it as a fresh film. In terms of showcasing the subject, The Kerala Story has gone miles ahead from The Kashmir Files. Nevertheless, The Kerala Story makes a very good watch. Watch it out for the hard-hitting, strong and bold content, performances and the subject. Watch this film merely as a film and not much more than that. Remember, Terrorism has no religion. Request each and everyone who are watching this film to watch it as an United Nation – India. Jai Hind!!!
Rating – 3/5*
Watch the trailer below:
