On Wednesday, Kerala General Secretary of Muslim Youth League PK Firoz said that the film ‘The Kerala Story’ should not be screened as it insults Muslims, Kerala and girls. This film should not be screened. The film is about the hatred of others towards a particular religion or community. You can be critical and sarcastic. But don’t hate. This is an insult to Muslims, Kerala and girls.
Firoz further said, ‘We intend to expose the hypocrisy of the film. We have now partially succeeded in this. Because earlier, the filmmakers claimed that 32000 girls from Kerala were converted. Now they have modified it into a story. Of three girls, People in Kerala, India and around the world believe this is fake propaganda. He had to turn his back on insulting Kerala.
Firoz alleged that the film would create a communal divide between religious groups and that inciting hatred and fear in a section is an offence under the Indian Penal Code. The film should not be banned. The question is, can anything be shown in the name of film and creative expression? The film intends to create a competition between different religious groups. When a non-Muslim watches a film, he will naturally develop a fear of associating with Muslims. Thus inciting hatred and fear between a class is an offence under the Indian Penal Code. Can anything be shown even if it spreads hatred if it is called a film? This film is not in the scope of a film. It is a matter of competition between different religious groups”, Firoz said.
He further said, “Unfortunately, under the central government, the censor board allowed the film’s screening. So we don’t expect any further action against it from the censor board or other agencies. We are not going to politicize the issue.” Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain petitions seeking a stay on the release of the film ‘The Kerala Story’ in theatres and OTT platforms and allowed the petitioners to approach the Kerala High Court.
A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha noted that a similar petition is pending before the Kerala High Court and asked them to approach the High Court with their pleas. The High Court is scheduled to hear the case against the film on May 5. Advocate Vrinda Grover mentioned before the bench the plea seeking urgent listing yesterday, saying the film is releasing on May 5. The petition mentioned by Grover has sought modification of the film’s disclaimer, saying that it is completely fictional. The bench, however, asked him to approach the High Court, where a similar petition is pending.
