Sitting at the centre of a nationwide debate storm is The Kerala Story. While Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have made the film tax-free, it has been banned in West Bengal and it’s screening has been stopped in theatres of Tamil Nadu.

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap tweeted, “You agree with the film or not, be it propaganda, counter propaganda, offensive or not, to ban it is just wrong (sic).” Producers Guild of India, too, issued a statement that read: “We are distressed by, and would like to record its strong objection to, the state-enforced bans on The Kerala Story.”

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar says, “I supported Udta Punjab and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (both 2016). But when Indu Sarkar (2017) was targeted by political parties, no one supported me. I feel once a film is passed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), it should be released, whether you agree with it or not.”

The film has been doing well at the box office. Trade analyst Joginder Tuteja says, “I am not saying what’s happening in West Bengal is right or wrong. But if the CBFC has allowed something, why should any state go against it? There should be creative liberty.”

Atul Mohan, trade expert: “CBFC is a government organisation, so by banning a film, you are challenging the government. People have watched it and approved it.”

Pritish Nandy, producer: “Once passed by the CBFC, a film is officially cleared for exhibition. But, if certain states feel it could create a law and order situation, it’s their right to decide whether it should be screened or not. They understand the local circumstances.”