Another flick creating controversy is The Kerala Story. Without getting into the political debate or reasons for its promotion by some and counter allegations at a particular community, there is no denying that the films are a close mirror to societal happenings. In India, the quickest way to reach the households is through cinema.
Even though the film is not attracting footfall and is running in theatres with 75 per cent empty seats in the halls, the film makes one ponder. The film is heavy to watch and at times crude too, possibly not recommended for teenagers, but they are also the ones who should watch the film. The film takes the protagonist to unfold the layers of being forcefully sent from one country to another and treated like a ‘thing,’ the conversion of religion on the behest of love is quite nerve-wracking.
The other vulnerable side is the trust the young children mindlessly have in their ‘close friends’ whom they come across, making new milestones and moving from a secure environment of school and home to college. “As a parent, I do not question or try to know about any new friends my young daughter has made. Her friends are warmly accepted in the family. After watching the film, I have my guard up; our children are raised in a bubble and secure environment and take things at face value. As the movie peels the hidden agendas of a roommate, the closest ally that can be in a college has made me nervous,” says Vaani Chabbra, mother of a young college student.
“In today’s time, everything must be evaluated with a pinch of salt, and I feel that children must be imparted knowledge of their religious scriptures and trained to stand their ground to make the right choices. No one should be able to bully children into thinking their belief system is spineless,” says Kritika Saxena, mother of a teenage son. For some audiences, the movie was heavy on heart and mind; some felt their religious beliefs were questioned, and some were shaken.
Towards the end, the surprise was that the biological family of the real victim around whom the film revolves, even though being interviewed didn’t find it safe to become a part of the film. It leaves a lot of questions unanswered. Does it not raise eyebrows on our police and governmental state machinery, safety issues,and fear still encompassing those who have been through hell? And many new victims getting caught in the toxic circle of love influence and waiting to be woken up to reality gives chills.
With inputs from Shruti Bansal.