From actor Adah Sharma’s character burning the hijaab to signify her freedom to actor Siddhi Idnani’s character spitting on her father — there are several scenes in The Kerala Story that have been called out for trying to stoke communal passions. But Sharma doesn’t feel that the film is “telling you about Islam”.

She says, “It tells you about people misusing Islam for terrorism to join ISIS (militant group) camps. So, whoever thinks that the movie is about Islam is wrong. The Kerala Story is not about religion, but terrorism, which doesn’t have a religion. I would never bring someone else’s religion down. We all live in a country that shelters all religions and they should all be respected.” The Commando 3 (2019) actor also points out that it depends on how the audience sees the film.

Referring to how the movie shows terrorists going to any lengths to get girls to ISIS camps and be sex slaves for militants, the 31-year-old says, “Their end goal is that. They try to manipulate people’s minds.”

While the Sudipto Sen directorial has been made tax-free in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Haryana, there is a section that is calling out the film for hate-mongering. In fact, the film was banned in West Bengal and faced opposition in Tamil Nadu. Sharma is grateful for the polarising opinions, as it shows that “we live in a country that allows us to express those opinions”.

She adds, “I also think a movie should be allowed to release where people are allowed to watch it and then form an opinion — negative or positive.”

As far as hate-mongering is concerned, Sharma says that the film is indeed about hate: “We are spreading hatred against terrorism. I think terrorism and bullying are the worst things ever. Also, drugging girls and impregnating them. Those who are saying our film is about hatred, yes, I want to spread a lot of hatred against terrorism. And I hope we can all, as society, get together in doing that.”