The Kerala Story

Movies can entertain, they can invoke new ideas and sometimes they can bring about change. Change of thought process, change of perspective etc. This is a movie that changes your perception of the world we live in, especially if you don't know what sort of things are happening around us hidden in plain sight.

This is a movie which is difficult to watch. Not because it is not well made, but because it shows the stark-naked truth in such a simple and devastating manner. Things that happen to the women in this film which is based on real life incidents are not for the weak of stomach. But it's the reality we live in and most would find it convenient to ignore the truth rather than confront it.

As a film, the cinematography is good, the camera work is organic and not overly dramatic. There are some dramatic shots, but those are needed to set the tone of the film. The look and feel of the film seem more real than fictional. This movie feels very authentic in its tonality and stands apart from typical Bollywood films like Kabul Express, Fanaa or Kurbaan.

The narrative of the film is nonlinear. It follows roughly three different timelines of the same person. First one of her being in college, another of her in Afghanistan and the last one of her incarcerated at an UN detention camp. The scenes flow mostly seamlessly from one timeline to the other. Sometimes the shift in tonality from a happy and positive interaction in the past to a rather bleak and grim present is done intentionally to jar the audience and shake them from their slumber (figuratively speaking) of believing all is right in the world just because they can't see such things happening in front of them.

All the songs in the film are either used in montage scenes or in the background. There is no waste of time entertainment dance numbers or anything overtly filmi when it comes to the music. The background score is used sparingly but is effective.

Overall: As a film, this is a very tragic subject matter. It's hard to make it through the movie without some sort of emotional reaction, be it sadness, depression or sheer anger. The movie is meant to evoke such reactions. That's what showing the truth as plainly as possible does to the masses. So be warned, this is a film that is hard hitting and not a fun time pass sort of watch. Don't go in with a bunch of friends expecting to have a good time.

Go see it with friends and family to open their eyes on what is going on and what might happen to someone they know and love if we as a society don't hold the people doing such inhuman acts accountable for their actions. This is a film that every Indian needs to see. Its an absolute must watch.

Rating: 7.5/10.

Conclusion: There are no negatives as such in the film, but maybe due to censor board, scenes that are showing the conversion to radical thought process did feel a bit truncated. Some moments of the film could have lingered a tad bit more to hammer the point home. But those are minor gripes in an otherwise well-made film about a very tragic and intense subject matter.

Since my native place is near to Mangalore, I know the incidents of the movie are true.

Whereas I am giving only 6 star to this movie because the script should have had more clarity on characters. For example, when the leading character Shalini was taken to SriLanka, she gets a call from her hostel friend who says that they all are trapped. But why didn't Shalini try to escape from SriLanka itself, since she realized about trap? Why did she kept on believing her husband till she reaches Afghanistan?

When Shalini gets cheated by her boy friend, then why did she listen to Maulvi instead of reaching to her mother?

There is no reasons shown in the movie for these.

'The Kerala Story' narrates the tales of three young girls from various regions of Kerala, with the primary focus on the story of Shalini, who is abducted and subsequently converted to Islam. Shalini is then radicalized. And compelled to join ISIS as a terrorist.

'The Kerala Story' is centered around the alleged radicalization and conversion of young Hindu women to Islam in Kerala, after which they are forced to join ISIS. The film states that it's a true story of three young girls from different parts of Kerala.

Riveting story telling method combined with great performances, tight screenplay and crisp editing made it a master piece. What's disturbing is that it's all happened really in the country.

An eye opener for every girls and their families. Must watch.

Sometimes the truth is so ugly that you refuse to accept the facts because your conscious is not ready to digest it, but the fact is fact & facts never lies.

A progressive society will always prefer to showcase the dirty truth is... So we must insure to extend the reach of this story to every single girl of our country & the world in order to protect them from this trap by at least informing them to the realities of the society we live in.

No doubt it's one of those story which will surely open your eyes, it'll give you a goosebumps while showing the mirror to the society.

Apart from the story it's fantastic movie with outstanding direction and acting.

The Kerala Story is a movie that delves into the issue of alleged radicalization and forced conversion of young Hindu women to Islam in Kerala, after which they are coerced into joining ISIS. The movie is based on a true story of three young girls from different parts of Kerala, and the role of Shalini/Fatima is played by Adah Sharma, who delivers a powerful and emotionally stirring performance.

The director Sudipto Sen has chosen a sensitive and complex subject, and the treatment of the film is said to be difficult to watch with several disturbing scenes, moments and dialogues. However, some reviews suggest that the treatment gets increasingly guided more by local politics than cinematic sagacity. While the movie does have some poignant moments, for the most part, it is either the gullible girls eager to buy the propaganda or sly creatures with Muslim names; there is no voice of sanity, and nuance is nowhere to be found.

The movie also features the narration of a converted Muslim woman, Fatima Ba, who shares her story of being abducted from her home and manipulated by religious vanguards to become an ISIS terrorist, eventually landing her in an Afghanistan jail.

The Kerala Story is a movie that highlights a critical issue that is currently affecting many parts of the world, and it is commendable that the director has chosen to bring attention to this subject. The movie attempts to showcase the harrowing experiences of the young girls who are forced to convert and join ISIS, and the emotional toll that this takes on them and their families. Adah Sharma's performance as Shalini/Fatima is powerful, and she brings depth and nuance to her character.

However, as some reviews suggest, the movie could have delved deeper into the issue and provided more nuanced and balanced portrayals of the characters involved. While it is important to raise awareness about the issue of forced conversions and radicalization, it is also important to avoid stereotyping and demonizing entire communities, which can fuel existing biases and prejudices.

Overall, The Kerala Story is a movie that attempts to shine a light on a critical issue, and the performances of the actors, especially Adah Sharma, are noteworthy. However, the treatment of the film could have been more nuanced and balanced to provide a deeper understanding of the complex issues involved. It is a movie worth watching, but with the understanding that it portrays a highly sensitive subject that needs to be examined with care and caution.