The Hindi film industry is abuzz with the release of The Kerala Story, which has received a mixed response from audiences and critics alike. The film's producer, Vipul Amrutlal Shah, recently clarified that the movie is not against Muslims or Islam, but rather against terrorists.
Directed by Sudipto Sen, The Kerala Story features Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani, and Sonia Balani in lead roles. Despite calls to ban the movie in certain states, including Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, it has crossed the Rs. 50 Cr. mark at the box office on its fifth day of release, earning Rs. 11.14 Cr. on Tuesday. It has been declared tax-free in Madhya Pradesh, and its domestic box office earnings have surpassed Rs. 56.86 Cr. so far. The film will be released internationally on May 12.
In a recent interview with Rediff, Vipul emphasized that the movie is "not against a particular religion or caste" but rather against terrorism. He went on to say, "This film is not against a particular religion or caste. What has been most satisfying is that some people were posting angry, nasty, and abusive messages against the film. Three of them have publicly apologized on the same platform after seeing the film, calling it a fantastic film. That's a very big vindication or validation of what we have been saying. I'm sure, with time, as temperatures go down, people will understand that this film is not against anyone, it's against terrorism. And we are appealing to all those who are against terrorism, to join us in our fight."
The filmmaker also addressed the timing of the film's release, stating that there is an election happening in India every three months. He added that he did not want to be deterred from making the movie and telling the stories of those affected. Vipul also shared that the film features testimonies from the victims' families at the end of the movie.
Vipul has directed several films in the past, including Aankhen, Waqt: The Race Against Time, Namastey London, London Dreams, Action Replayy, and Namaste England. He last directed the Disney+ Hotstar web series Human, starring his wife Shefali Shah. He is also producing Force 4, directed by Abhinay Deo.
