Showing posts with label The Kerala Story. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Kerala Story. Show all posts
The fact that you said Assi and Dhurandhar in the same breath is good enough-Anubhav Sinha
3:01 PM
As Assi drops online, filmmaker Anubhav Sinha gets candid about its box office reception, making unpopular choices, and why he believes films like The Kerala Story and The Kashmir Files have a right to exist
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; May 3, 2026)
Stationed at a city hotel, filmmaker Anubhav Sinha is busy recording long media interactions about his latest film, Assi. If one didn’t know better, the director’s enthusiasm would give the impression the film is about to release. But the Taapsee Pannu-starrer released two months ago, and began its streaming run last week. For Sinha, though, it feels like a re-release.
“The film dropped on Zee5 on Thursday night (April 17). Friday was a little quiet. So, I thought maybe OTT release is like this. But, Friday night onwards, it became viral — whether it was Instagram Reels or Whatsapps or DMs from filmmakers, friends, bichhde hue dost Mathura aur Jaipur se. So, for me, it’s feeling like a re-release,” he smiles.
Still, two months is a long time for a maker to observe the reactions that a film received during its theatrical run, agrees Sinha. “Largely, things that are said about the film are in appreciation. There are a slim percentage of people who find Kumud’s [Mishra] character, Kartik, to be an outsider to the story. But that’s all that I have heard as a critique. The other observation is that the film is very disturbing, which it was intended to be,” he says.
It feels the right time to register a feedback that one felt while watching the movie that works both as an investigation and an introspection centred around the rape of a school teacher (played by Kani Kusruti) in the capital. The feminist intent notwithstanding, the execution in parts feel preachy, we share with Sinha. The director replies, “I respect this observation and if I looked at the film from that viewpoint and it’s not absolutely unfounded.”
Sinha, consistently, has been among the voices in the industry who remain open to dialogue and dissent. So, we ask him how he views Pannu’s widely-discussed Instagram post, before Assi’s release, where she appealed to the audience to be louder in their support for films that aren’t cut from the cloth of mainstream. “You deserve good cinema only when you value it,” reads a sentence from her post. Doesn’t it put an unfair amount of responsibility on the audience, which is an outsider to the rooms that decide what gets made in the industry?
“The responsibility of the audience is directly proportional to the expectation of the audience. So, Tapsee is probably coming from a place where she very regularly hears that good cinema is not made. Even though, I don’t agree much with this because how do I assume my cinema is good? People will decide that. But Tapsee was probably trying to talk about real cinema, real stories. So, if the audience has expectations and demands from cinema, then it becomes your responsibility as well [to support it] because making such films is an unpopular choice. People have no idea what it takes to get these films off the ground,” he says.
But another argument arises that the audience merely reacts to the visual assets of a film or to a star, if it’s a star-fronted feature. If a filmmaker fails to ignite excitement among the viewers, the onus shouldn’t fall on them to still pay to watch a film, howsoever well-intentioned it is. Sinha agrees that the responsibility lies more on the industry to churn out diverse stories on a regular basis, even if it fails at times, in an attempt to reach out to the audience and eventually condition it to give a chance to “unpopular films”.
How does one restore the balance that an Assi and Lapataa Ladies can co-exist with a Dhurandhar and a Pathaan [2023]? “Yes, the balance has become very lopsided. But the fact that you said Assi and Dhurandhar in the same breath is good enough. Around 13 lakh people went to see Assi in the theatres. If I draw an analogy, 40–50 thousand people sit in a stadium to watch a match. Now, three crore people went to Dhurandhar, but its stakes and ambition were different. Assi’s ambition was not that three crore people should go to see me,” he argues.
But Sinha is a producer as well and the commercial ambition of Assi will have a number attached to it. “It should have done much better than what it did for it to fall into that [success] category. But that’s one of the later metrics that I look at. In the real world, it seems that the math of a film is very urgent. But it takes a backseat, not only for the filmmaker but for the whole team, including the stars and the studio. Years later, it doesn’t matter how much money did Satya [1998], Chandni [1989] or Lamhe [1991] make. On an urgent basis, Lamhe was a flop. But today, it is a hit.”
What remain urgent are Sinha’s stories. So, we mention our recent conversation with filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who said that stories on screen are being weaponised to push people away from each other.
“As an audience, you can choose one story over the other but all of them have the right to exist. The Kerala Story [2023] has a right to exist, and so does The Kashmir Files [2022],” Sinha says.
So, where does an artiste’s responsibility lie? “Artistes will make their own choices and then history will place them on shelves. It’s not my job to place another artiste on a shelf or myself on another shelf. We are making films, and today there is a knee-jerk response. Twenty years later, when a smart girl writes a massive article about what happened in this era in India, we will all be judged much later. If you are fortunate, you will be judged, otherwise you will most likely be ignored by history.”
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 923
11:05 PM
WILL THE KERALA STORY 2 RELEASE TOMORROW?
A dry period has begun in Bollywood and it will continue until March 19, when Dhurandhar The Revenge and Toxic clash at the box office. There’ll be no release in the first two weeks of March – on March 6 and March 13. Exhibitors hoped that this Friday’s release, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, would have got some audiences to the cinemas. Sadly for them, the film’s release might be pushed at the last minute.
As the title suggests, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is the second part of The Kerala Story series. The first part was released in 2023 and managed to open well, at Rs. 6.75 crores, due to the controversial trailer and eye-catching promotions. It went on to do a business of Rs. 220.84 crores. While the first part starred Adah Sharma in the lead role, the second installment features Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha in leading roles.
The trailer was released last week and immediately became a talking point. Some called it a realistic film and the need of the hour. But a section of the audience felt that the film was an attempt to harm the reputation of Kerala. The timing of the release was also questioned since the state goes to elections in a few months. Also, unlike the first part, which focused only on the characters of Kerala, the second part has characters from Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. This also led many to question why the film was named The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond.
The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’s advance booking began on Tuesday, February 24, and until Thursday, February 26, it was underwhelming. It was clear that it won’t open like The Kerala Story. But on the afternoon of February 26, the Kerala High Court put a stay on the release. Theatres across the country began to keep bookings on hold. Meanwhile, the makers immediately filed an appeal at the Kerala High Court. This bench reserved the order passed earlier but is yet to grant its verdict.
Hence, there are chances that once the High Court lifts the stay, the film would be released. At present, there’s no clarity on whether a judgment is expected tomorrow and at what time. But it seems like no morning show of the film will take place. At best, shows can begin from late afternoon or evening on Friday or else, it’ll have a full-fledged release on Saturday, February 28.
Without these hassles, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond would have opened at Rs. 2-3 crores. It now remains to be seen if this controversy helps the collections and whether it can trend extraordinarily just like the first part.
A dry period has begun in Bollywood and it will continue until March 19, when Dhurandhar The Revenge and Toxic clash at the box office. There’ll be no release in the first two weeks of March – on March 6 and March 13. Exhibitors hoped that this Friday’s release, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond, would have got some audiences to the cinemas. Sadly for them, the film’s release might be pushed at the last minute.
As the title suggests, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond is the second part of The Kerala Story series. The first part was released in 2023 and managed to open well, at Rs. 6.75 crores, due to the controversial trailer and eye-catching promotions. It went on to do a business of Rs. 220.84 crores. While the first part starred Adah Sharma in the lead role, the second installment features Ulka Gupta, Aditi Bhatia and Aishwarya Ojha in leading roles.
The trailer was released last week and immediately became a talking point. Some called it a realistic film and the need of the hour. But a section of the audience felt that the film was an attempt to harm the reputation of Kerala. The timing of the release was also questioned since the state goes to elections in a few months. Also, unlike the first part, which focused only on the characters of Kerala, the second part has characters from Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. This also led many to question why the film was named The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond.
The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond’s advance booking began on Tuesday, February 24, and until Thursday, February 26, it was underwhelming. It was clear that it won’t open like The Kerala Story. But on the afternoon of February 26, the Kerala High Court put a stay on the release. Theatres across the country began to keep bookings on hold. Meanwhile, the makers immediately filed an appeal at the Kerala High Court. This bench reserved the order passed earlier but is yet to grant its verdict.
Hence, there are chances that once the High Court lifts the stay, the film would be released. At present, there’s no clarity on whether a judgment is expected tomorrow and at what time. But it seems like no morning show of the film will take place. At best, shows can begin from late afternoon or evening on Friday or else, it’ll have a full-fledged release on Saturday, February 28.
Without these hassles, The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond would have opened at Rs. 2-3 crores. It now remains to be seen if this controversy helps the collections and whether it can trend extraordinarily just like the first part.
The Kerala Story 2 producer Vipul Shah defends U/A nod amid backlash
9:37 AM
Yashika Mathur (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 21, 2026)
The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond has been granted a U/A certificate by the CBFC, a move that has sparked mixed reactions. The U/A classification allows for unrestricted public exhibition for viewers aged 14 and above. Critics — including Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan — have called the film, based on religious conversion, “poisonous propaganda” that could damage the state’s image.
Amid the debate, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah shares, “CBFC told us to make 15-16 changes, including some words and dialogues, and only then did they grant a U/A. They have taken all precautions to make sure that the film is suitable to be shown to a U/A audience.”
Ask how the sequel secured a U/A when the first film, The Kerala Story (2023), received an A rating and he says, “In the first film, there was a brutal rape sequence which my director was not ready to remove, so it had to get an A certification. This time, we took extra care to ensure that there is no such sequence.”
The trailer of The Kerala Story 2 was released on Thursday, the same day it received a U/A certificate, which has now come under legal scrutiny. According to Live Law, the Kerala High Court issued a notice to the makers in a writ petition challenging the certification.
The All India Muslim Jamaat (AIMJ) President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi told ANI, “The Kerala Story 2 is a story based on fake narratives, and nowadays a trend has started among film directors to earn money in any way possible. The films these days are increasing communal tension and destroying the Hindu-Muslim brotherhood. All these things are being done as part of a planned effort to defame Muslims.”
Responding to the criticism, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah says, “I am surprised that all Muslim organizations are saying that this is a lie. In the last half year alone, there have been cases such as Jalaluddin alias Chhangur Baba, who is now in jail and had allegedly converted thousands of girls. There was also Umar Gautam, who has been given life imprisonment for converting more than a thousand girls. UP Police launched Mission Asmita and alleged that a racket to convert thousands of girls was running across eight to twelve states.”
He adds, “When such stories come out, I expect Muslim organizations to condemn these acts and say this is not what should be happening. But I haven’t heard any such comment. When a film tries to show a certain reality, everybody raises an objection, that’s like shooting the messenger. If there is evidence that these cases are false, then there is no need for another Kerala story.”
71st National Awards: Mohanlal’s ‘magical moment’, Shah Rukh Khan shares his first with Vikrant Massey
9:58 AM
Rani Dedicates Honour To Mothers At 71st Nat’l Film Awards
THE TIMES OF INDIA (September 24, 2025)
New Delhi: It was a night of star power and cinematic pride at Vigyan Bhawan on Tuesday as President Droupadi Murmu honoured stalwarts of Indian cinema at the 71st National Film Awards.
The spotlight, however, belonged to Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, while Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji and Vikrant Massey walked away with top honours in acting categories.
Mohanlal, already decorated with the Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2019), was visibly moved as he accepted Indian cinema’s highest recognition. “I am deeply humbled to be the youngest recipient and only the second ever from Kerala. This moment is not mine alone, it belongs to the entire Malayalam film fraternity,” he said. Sharing the honour with colleagues, he added: “I never dared to dream of this moment. It feels magical, it feels sacred.”
President Murmu presented the award to Mohanlal amid a thunderous standing ovation. Fellow superstar Mammootty called him “a true artist who has lived and breathed cinema,” while Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him as someone who “epitomizes excellence and versatility.”
In perhaps the most Bollywood-dominated edition of the awards, Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Award for Best Actor in over two decades for his blockbuster ‘Jawan’. “This award is a blessing. ‘Jawan’ was a film made from the heart, and I dedicate this to every fan who has stood by me through the years,” Shah Rukh said.
Actor Vikrant Massey, who shared the Best Actor award with Shah Rukh for ‘12th Fail’, credited director Vidhu Vinod Chopra for his journey. Rani Mukerji was honoured as Best Actress for ‘Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway’. “This film was about the power of a mother’s fight. This recognition belongs to every woman who has faced injustice and refused to give up,” Rani told mediapersons.
The Evening reflected cinema’s diversity: ‘Kathal—A Jackfruit Mystery’ was named Best Hindi Film, Sudipto Sen won Best Director for ‘The Kerala Story’, while Shilpa Rao took home Best Female Playback Singer for Chaleya from ‘Jawan’.
CM Pinarayi Vijayan shouldn’t have made such a loose comment about The Kerala Story-Sudipto Sen
8:57 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 4, 2025)
Sudipto Sen’s excitement on winning the National Film Award for Best Director for his film The Kerala Story (2023) was dampened when the Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the film for the win. The CM wrote on X, “By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala’s image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury of the #NationalFilmAwards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar (sic).”
Reacting to this, Sudipto says, “I had a lot of respect for him, but he shouldn’t have said something like this. Had he watched the film, he would understand that it has nothing to do with Kerala. It is about the ISIS model being executed from the state, which is a known fact. In fact, BBC made a film on that.”
Sudipto adds, “People know how ISIS operates in the US and Australia. Pinarayi sir is a respected politician. He should not have made such a loose comment. It’s unfortunate.”
The 2023 film revolves around a group of girls who are coerced into converting to Islam and joining the Islamic state. Sharing how winning the National Film Award is a dream come true for him, the director adds: “When you start your career as a filmmaker, you dream of certain things, and a National Film Award is one of them. But I never saw it coming for this one.”
Internet divided over Shah Rukh Khan's National Award win for Jawan
8:54 AM
National Film Awards leaves internet divided as Shah Rukh Khan wins his first Best Actor nod for Jawan alongside Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail; ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ writer hopes Best Dialogue win will boost social dramas
Priyanka Sharma, Komal RJ Panchal (MID-DAY; August 2, 2025)
The 71st National Film Awards couldn’t have gotten starrier than this. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan won his first National Award in his 33-year career for his double role in Jawan (2023). The actor shared the honour with Vikrant Massey, who won it for 12th Fail (2023). Bollywood entertainers seemed to dominate the awards as Rani Mukerji took home the Best Actress award for Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway (2023).
On the one hand, Khan’s fans saw the win as overdue, considering his restrained act in Swades (2004) was overlooked by the National Film Awards jury 20 years ago. On the other hand, some social media users called the Jawan win “laughable” and “a joke”.
The Best Director award went to Sudipto Sen for The Kerala Story (2023) — a win that will presumably be debated over the next few days. The movie, which centred on the alleged coerced religious conversion of Malayali women, was widely criticized. An elated Sen called the win “validating”.
He told mid-day, “I would’ve been even happier if the film had also taken the top honour, but this recognition validates everything we set out to express through The Kerala Story.”
With Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani winning the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, co-writer Ishita Moitra told mid-day, “It’s Karan Johar’s [filmmaker] hard work and love that shines in this film.”
The film also won Vaibhavi Merchant the Best Choreography award. She learnt about the win when we called her. “This is overwhelming. You’ve broken the news to me,” said a surprised Merchant.
Deepak Kingrani, who bagged the Best Dialogue award for Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, said, “This win is important as [it gives us] courage to write and producers to pump money in such films.”
First National film honours for Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Vikrant Massey
8:38 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (August 2, 2025)
New Delhi: Hindi cinema dominated the 71st National Film Awards on Friday with superstar Shah Rukh Khan winning his career’s first best actor award for ‘Jawan’ alongside Vikrant Massey for ‘12th Fail’, which was also named the best feature film.
Rani Mukerji won the best actress honour for ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’, her first award. The awards for 2023 were announced by jury head Ashutosh Gowariker. He said Shah Rukh had delivered a “powerhouse performance, balancing raw intensity and emotional depth, and bringing to life a hero who fights not just the enemy, but societal boundaries, creating two unforgettable cinema personas”.
Sudipto Sen won the best director award for ‘The Kerala Story’, which also got the cinematography prize. It had sparked a row for its portrayal of women being converted and recruited by ISIS. ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ was the best popular film .
Rani Mukerji, who has clinched the National award for best actress, said, “I’m overwhelmed. For me, this award is also a validation of my 30-year body of work, my dedication to my craft with which I feel a deeply spiritual connection and my passion for cinema and this beautiful film industry.”
‘Jawan’, which minted over Rs 1,100 crore at box office worldwide, was a highoctane thriller from filmmaker Atlee and featured SRK in the dual role of Army officer Vikram Rathore and his jailor son Azad.
The jury praised Massey’s performance as one that portrayed the transformative journey of a village boy with “raw honesty and emotional depth”. In a statement, Massey (38), said it was a dream come true moment for him.
Meghna Gulzar’s ‘Sam Bahadur’ was recognized as the best film promoting national, social and environmental values and won the award in the make-up & costume category.
Vaibhavi Merchant won the best choreography award for ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ song ‘Dhindhora Baaje’, while Shilpa Rao was named best female playback singer for ‘Jawan’ track ‘Chaleya’. Sanya Malhotra-starrer ‘Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery’ was named the best Hindi film.
While Hindi cinema ruled in the main categories, regional movies were recognized in categories such as best supporting actor as well as actress and in technical segments.
Best Film in AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comic) went to Telugu film ‘Hanu-Man’, which also won the best action direction award. The National Award for best screenplay was shared between Telugu movie ‘Baby’ and ‘Parking’.
Filmmaker Ashish Bende won the best debut film by a director for Aatmapamphlet, a coming-of-age drama that resonated with audiences and the jury alike.
Overwhelmed by the recognition, Bende said, “Getting a national award was always a dream for me, but I did not know that my dream would be realized in my directorial debut. Though it is an award for direction, I feel that it is not a solo award but an award for the entire team of Aatmapamphlet. The film was made during Covid-19 pandemic with a lot of effort, and today all those efforts have paid off.”
Bende will receive the Swarna Kamal for this award.
He added, “The Marathi film industry has along legacy of quality films, and today I feel proud that I am part of this rich tradition. The award will personally encourage me to keep doing quality work.”
If I came from a film family, they wouldn’t let me debut with a horror film-Adah Sharma
8:39 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; May 25, 2025)
While there is so much talk about the perks of being from a film family, Adah Sharma has her own take on it. “Had I belonged to a film family, they would have waited for that perfect film to launch me,” she says, and adds with a laugh, “My film family wouldn’t let me do a horror movie. Who starts their career looking possessed on screen with black teeth? I didn’t have the opportunity to start my career with a usual romantic movie that probably would have happened if I had the DNA of a famous person. I started with 1920 and I feel fortunate for that. The audience has accepted me whenever I try something crazy and maybe that’s why filmmakers also have the guts to cast me in different roles.”
Adah is now gearing up to portray a devi in her upcoming project. For her, the key to success lies in making every character believable and distinct. She did action in the Commando franchise and then was seen in The Kerala Story.
“While watching The Kerala Story, people didn’t say, ‘Oh, she knows how to do action, why isn’t she beating the goons?’ People also appreciated me as the bar dancer, Rosie, in Sunflower Season 2, and as an IPS officer in Bastar - The Naxal Story. I’m lucky that my career has unfolded the way it has.”
The Kerala Story 2 not based on Hema Committee report-Sudipto Sen
8:10 AM
Mugdha Kapoor (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 25, 2024)
Director Sudipto Sen has refuted recent media reports that his 2023 film, The Kerala Story, will have a sequel based on the Hema Committee report that details the exploitation and harassment of women in the Malayalam film industry.
However, Sen confirmed that a sequel is definitely on the cards. “I don’t know where this information surfaced from, it is not true. After seeing the reports, Vipul (Shah; producer) and I laughed. There will be a sequel to the film and the scripting is underway, but it has nothing to do with the Hema Committee report.”
Meanwhile, a source close to the production reveals, “The Kerala Story 2 will be based on the radicalisation of the Kerala society, particularly north Kerala, and the spreading of Islamic fundamentalism in the state. It will have nothing to do with Indian politics or religion. It will offer a perspective on how the state has become a hotbed of ISIS recruitment, anti-national and anti-societal movements.”
About who will feature in the sequel, the source shares that it will “definitely have a new cast,” adding, “The film will go on floors early next year and is expected to release in the second half of 2025.”
Adah Sharma on moving into Sushant Singh Rajput’s flat: "I’m very sensitive to vibes and this house gives me positive ones"
9:23 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; June 2, 2024)
Apart from her movie outings, Adah Sharma has been in the news over the past few months for renting the Bandra apartment where actor Sushant Singh Rajput resided before his tragic death in June 2020. The lease agreement was signed in October 2023 and the actress moved in with her mother and grandmother earlier this year.
A source, who deals with properties informed us, “Following Sushant’s demise, it had become impossible to find tenants; two clients showed some interest initially, but then decided against renting it. The house had been locked up for nearly three years. Adah has now rented it for five years.”
The actress, who has so far remained silent about renting the flat, finally opened up to Bombay Times. In an exclusive chat with us, she said, “I moved into the flat (Mont Blanc Apartments, Bandra) four months ago, but I was busy promoting my projects, including ‘Bastar’ and the OTT release of ‘The Kerala Story’. After that, I spent some time at the elephant sanctuary in Mathura. It’s only recently that I got some time off and have finally settled in.”
She added, “I have lived in the same house at Pali Hill (Bandra) all my life and this is the first time I’ve moved out of there. I’m very sensitive to vibes, and this place gives me positive ones. Our homes in Kerala and Mumbai have been surrounded by trees and we used to feed birds and squirrels. So, I wanted a home with a view and ample space to feed birds.”
When we asked Adah, if she too, like other potential tenants, was unsure about renting this place, she replied, “I always follow my intuition, not other people’s opinions. Many people had tried to scare me away from starting my career with a horror movie (‘1920’), but I did it and scared them instead (smiles). They dissuaded me from being a part of ‘The Kerala Story’, too, and the kind of numbers the film made is for all to see.”
Talking about the ‘makeover’ she has done to the apartment; we hear Adah has painted the entire place white. The lower floor has been converted into a mandir, while one room on the top floor is now a music room, and another a dance studio. She has also transformed the terrace into a garden by bringing all her plants from her previous home. Adah and her mother did not have much furniture in their old house, so this one, too, has minimal furniture. They sleep and eat on the floor.
After The Kerala Story, people have become very protective of me on social media-Adah Sharma
8:26 AM
Soumitra Das (BOMBAY TIMES; April 19, 2024)
Adah Sharma, who was in Ahmedabad recently, says that she feels “a special connection with the city.” Adah, whose recent releases include the film Bastar: The Naxal Story and the OTT project Sunflower 2, tells us, “A few months back, I shot with Jubin Nautiyal for Raabta, a music video, at a few lovely locations of Ahmedabad’s walled city and I have some very fond memories from the shoot.”
Adah adds, “I was in Vadodara in January for a marathon and it’s always a pleasure to come to Gujarat because the people are so warm. I love Gujarati food and no Ahmedabad trip of mine feels complete till I have undhiyu, which is my favourite. I also love Gujarati dal.”
‘I still don’t know too many people in the film industry’
Adah, who made her Bollywood debut with 1920 in 2008, has completed 15 years in showbiz. Looking back at her journey, Adah says, “I still don’t know too many people in the industry but feel fortunate and grateful that despite being an outsider, big filmmakers have always trusted my talent. Vikram Bhatt could have chosen anyone for 1920, but he loved my audition and offered me the role. In Telugu, I made my debut with Heart Attack, which was directed by an ace filmmaker like Puri Jagannadh. In Kannada, I have done films with big stars like Puneeth Rajkumar. Sunflower 2 gave me the opportunity to work with Vikas Bahl. So, I have no complaints and it has been a fantastic journey. Having just done an OTT project, I can confidently say that good content is watched irrespective of the medium.”
Adah adds, “I am fortunate that I have not been typecast as an actress, which is one of the biggest fears that an actor has. Be it fiction, films based on real life incidents or interesting OTT content, I have always got to do exciting and different types of projects. Even in my upcoming projects, I am getting to do different stuff and I couldn’t have asked for more. I don’t really understand terms like ‘women-centric films’ because for a film to do well, every character has to be etched well. But we are having these discussions probably because there still isn’t enough representation of women in different aspects of filmmaking. But stronger roles are being written for women now.”
‘The Kerala Story was a big game changer for me’
The Kerala Story, which became the highest grossing female-led Hindi film, was a big game changer for me. Although I have done successful films like 1920 and Commando 2, this movie became a phenomenon and I don’t think there is any movie buff who doesn’t know about it. Also, after this film, people have become very protective of me on social media and I feel lucky. I don’t pay any attention to the negativity on social media because for every negative comment, there are so many positive comments to counter it! It’s overwhelming. People have the right to watch or not watch a film. I have realised that many people who criticize movies and use terms like ‘propaganda film’ on social media have not seen the movies. So, why should I bother about these comments?
‘I am playing a female superhero in an upcoming international project’
It’s true that I am playing a female superhero in an upcoming international project, but I don’t want to reveal too much about it. I am a little superstitious and don’t like talking about projects too much in advance. I want to do projects in different languages, even if it’s just a music video. I had done a music video in Punjabi with Akhil and a lot of Punjabis loved it.
Extra screen time for The Kerala Story stirs UDF, LDF concern
8:06 AM
Extra screen time for 'The Kerala Story' stirs UDF, LDF concern
THE TIMES OF INDIA (April 10, 2024)
Kozhikode: Following in the footsteps of the Idukki diocese, Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM) under the Thamarassery diocese of Syro-Malabar Church has announced that it would screen in all its units "The Kerala Story" - the controversial 2023 movie that had fuelled allegations from political quarters that it peddles Islamophobia.
While KCYM said Tuesday that there is no political agenda behind the screening, the decision has stirred concern within both Congress-led UDF and CPM-led LDF, particularly as BJP has made "love jihad" and other topics from the movie key election issues.
BJP leaders expressed satisfaction that one of the themes they used to engage with the Christian community has struck a chord with certain segments of the church. BJP state president K Surendran criticised CM Pinarayi Vijayan, saying: "Despite being aware the movie is based on true events, CM is attempting to conceal the truth."
In response, Vijayan underscored the importance of "recognizing the RSS agenda and underlying bigotry" in the film. "One must not assume that Sangh Parivar is solely targeting Muslims. All minorities and communists are within their scope. The goal is to incite one group against another. Nobody should fall prey to that strategy. No one should align with the agenda of Sangh Parivar," he said Tuesday.
The movie depicts four women from Kerala, who converted to Islam and lured into joining Islamic State. It drew criticism from Congress and Left parties for allegedly attempting to tarnish the image of Kerala and the Muslim community.
KCYM praised the Idukki diocese for screening the movie early this April as part of its efforts to create awareness among students to recognize the proponents of hidden agendas.
However, Thalassery archdiocese has distanced itself from KCYM's announcement, saying it has not taken any decision to screen the movie in churches.
Syro-Malabar Church screens The Kerala Story for students
2:01 PM
Part Of Course On Love Jihad: Idukki Diocese
THE TIMES OF INDIA (April 9, 2024)
Kochi: The Syro-Malabar Church’s Idukki diocese screened “The Kerala Story” for catechism students of Classes 10 to 12 who attended the vacation course diocese parishes, triggering another controversy. The screening was part of course curriculum which encouraged students to watch the film, discuss it among peers and prepare a review. The course had a portion under the heading “Love Jihad”.
Fr Jins Karakkat, chairman of the diocese’s media commission, said the movie was screened to develop awareness among students. “The movie was screened during the course held from April 2 to 4. It was part of activity in the course to watchit and prepare a review,” said Karakkat.
He said the “love jihad” portion in the book was not the kind talked about. “The love jihad mentioned in the book is different. We’ve only said that there is a scheme wherein young ones are lured, feigning love, to use them for other purposes. It is not targeting any religion or community,” he said.
As per an image purportedly from the booklet and shared on a social media group, “love jihad” is an activity undertaken by extremist organizations. The portion also talks about police finding that Muslim faithful in general don’t have an organized “love jihad” movement. It claims “love jihad” exponents are extremists who have kept the Islamic faithful also in fear. It says that some extremist groups provide love, gifts, and money to lure girls from other religions to use them for their requirements.
Opposition leader V D Satheeshan said the Idukki diocese’s move was the wrong approach. “Kerala Story is not a true story. It is made to insult Kerala.”
Congress, CPM protest The Kerala Story’s telecast on Doordarshan
8:40 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (April 6, 2024)
Thiruvananthapuram: A Friday evening telecast of the controversial 2023 movie The Kerala Story on DD National raised CPM and Congress's hackles, with both parties slamming the screening as a slight on the people of the southern state. Hours before the film was aired at the scheduled 8pm slot, CM Pinarayi Vijayan demanded that DD cancel the telecast.
A petition was filed in Kerala HC to stop the screening, but the court didn't issue an order, saying DD should have been given more time to respond.
Leader of the opposition V D Satheesan and CPM state secretary M V Govindan wrote to the Election Commission, alleging that the telecast was at BJP's behest and meant to appease a certain section of people ahead of elections.
DYFI, CPM's youth wing, protested in front of Doordarshan Kendra, while Congress's Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor termed the choice of film "propaganda at its cheapest and worst".
I have made 20-odd films and 18 of them featured a Hindu villain. Does that make me anti Hindu?-Vipul Shah
2:54 PM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; March 14, 2024)
“Just because I am depicting certain aspects in films like ‘The Kerala Story’ or ‘Bastar - The Naxal Story,’ does not mean I am dividing the country. Our people are mature enough not to turn against each other because of a film. Sometimes, fault lines can bring people together” – Vipul Amrutlal Shah
Vipul Amrutlal Shah’s journey as a filmmaker of star-studded commercial capers took a turn with the film ‘The Kerala Story’.
The film, both successful and controversial, delved into the sensitive subject of religious conversion. Now, with ‘Bastar - The Naxal Story’, which releases tomorrow, he once again ventures deep into risky terrain – the world of Naxalites. In an interview with BT, he sheds light on his new film (directed by Sudipto Sen and featuring actress Adah Sharma in the lead role) and what drives him to produce films on these sensitive, hard-hitting subjects. Excerpts:
When addressing such a complex subject, how do you ensure that the narrative is balanced and depicted solely based on facts?
The emergence of the Naxal movement, particularly in Chhattisgarh, was fuelled by the oppressive behaviour of government babus towards the locals. However, they (Naxals) became worse oppressors after seizing control of the situation. ‘Bastar’ is not a one-sided story. As a filmmaker, you take into account the other side as well when conveying the truth. Attempts to break our country can’t be allowed at any cost. In the end, people will discern the truth, especially with access to abundant data today. Our depiction is backed by verifiable documents available online. Our portrayal is rooted in concrete evidence.
When the protagonist in the film (IPS Neerja Madhvan, played by Adah Sharma) makes a statement like, ‘Inn vaampanthiyon ko sadak par khada kar sar-e-aam goli maar doongi, chadha dena phaasi par’, don’t you think it could incite people?
It’s an expression of a frustrated cop stopped from taking action against perpetrators. Also, we are talking about ‘unn vaampanthiyon’, who are trying to break our nation. When someone fears losing 76 jawans, and yet can’t get enough backup to fight the Naxalites, a strong reaction is inevitable. It’s crucial to capture the intense emotion and the sense of betrayal felt by that cop.
When you make films like ‘The Kerala Story’ and ‘Bastar: The Naxal Story’, people view you as a propaganda filmmaker. How do you respond to it?
The film is not about politics; it’s a portrayal of a human tragedy on a massive scale. People label it political because they don’t have a logical counterargument to these facts. How can depicting the endless suffering of people be political? Exposing an ideology backed by facts and data doesn’t make it one. In our country, there is a fear of telling the truth; we tend to dilute narratives and make politically correct films. I have made 20-odd films and 18 of them featured a Hindu villain. Does that make me anti-Hindu? When I made those films, I was believed to be the torchbearer of secularism. However, when I show a group of people involved in something dangerous, I am branded anti-Muslim, due to the prevailing political narrative.
Politically sensitive movies often elicit polarized reactions. What’s your view on that?
We live in a time where reactions are often based on incomplete information, and these very people may dismiss the film as inauthentic. When tackling such subjects in filmmaking, it’s common for people with vested interests to target us, labelling our work as political propaganda. Despite being open to scrutiny, critics may resort to baseless arguments, such as attributing the film’s timing to upcoming elections. It’s such a bizarre argument. Elections are fought on the performance of the government, not a film. Having said that, I don’t care about them or the criticism. I know that it is not going to be an easy journey when you are speaking the truth. You face isolation, attempts are made to discredit your efforts and there are threats to your life.
Is it challenging to bring together a cast for films like ‘The Kerala Story’ or ‘Bastar - The Naxal Story’? How open are actors to such subjects?
I don’t know if they are averse, but many artistes and technicians get scared as they don’t want trouble and threats coming their way. Some artistes might not want to engage in a film that could spark a political debate, while others may not want to associate with us after watching these films. Ultimately, it’s their decision, and we must respect their choices. I believe truth prevails, and you eventually win them back. It may take time, but it happens.
My siblings were part of the Naxalite movement-Sudipto Sen
8:21 PM
As The Kerala Story makers reunite for Bastar that focuses on Naxalism, director Sudipto recalls how his siblings had joined the movement
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; March 7, 2024)
Producer Vipul Shah and director Sudipto Sen’s The Kerala Story (2023) became a hit at the box office, despite being panned by critics and some sections of the audience. Now, the makers are back with Bastar: The Naxal Story, which sees Adah Sharma play an IPS officer countering the Maoist/Naxal insurgency in Bastar, Chhattisgarh.
Creative director-producer Shah remembers being “shaken to the bone” when Sen brought the story to him, which reportedly focuses on the 2010 Maoist attack in Dantewada that killed 76 Central Reserve Police Force [CRPF] jawans.
“When you see our CRPF jawans being killed, the Maoists/Naxals resorting to violence to [hinder] any development in the interiors, you wonder, who are these people? There are several intellectuals in the cities giving them cover by saying they are the Robin Hoods of Bastar. How would you react on reading that there was a celebration in the Jawaharlal Nehru University [JNU] after 76 CRPF jawans were killed by the Naxals? One can have differences with a political party or a leader. But when you go against the nation, it’s a problem,” states Shah.
Sen’s knowledge of the Naxal movement goes back to his childhood. He shares, “My siblings were part of this movement, so I saw how it diversified, went south and eventually made Bastar the red sector. I feel the human tragedy remains under-reported due to some media houses and the system supporting this. Vipul ji and I shared the same passion towards this story. It’s our responsibility to convey this to a wider population.”
For Bastar’s leading lady, the role of an IPS officer is a drastic shift from her portrayal of a survivor of religious conversion in The Kerala Story. Sen praises Sharma for prepping extensively for her part.
“Adah went to Chhattisgarh, met the IPS officers leading the anti-Naxal operations, like the Cobra Force. She accompanied them into the jungles to see how they prepare and combat. In the Bastar trailer, you will notice that hers is not a glamorous part. A lot depends on the character of the person playing the role. Adah is ready to work doubly hard, the result is for everyone to see.”
Fashion should always be fun and not an activity where you feel pressured-Adah Sharma
8:20 AM
From having fun with fashion to embracing her true self, actor Adah Sharma tells it all as she shoots exclusively with HT City Showstoppers
Shweta Sunny (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 16, 2024)
For actor Adah Sharma, being true to herself has been her mantra for surviving in the industry. Be it ‘looking too Indian’ or ‘having thick eyebrows’, she has learnt how to rise above such statements and celebrate her individuality.
“When I started off, people tried to make me a version of someone successful. I guess they do that to be helpful but it’s wrong,” explains the 31-year-old, who made her debut in 2008 with the film 1920.
Tuning out the outside noise is what helped Sharma own her truth. In a world where actors often seek cosmetic procedures, Sharma likes to keep it real. “I don’t think I have the guts to go under the knife. A wisdom tooth removal itself can get me stressed and I get fever and an upset stomach thinking about it. But, I guess to each their own,” she quips.
On rejection, the Hasee Toh Phasee (2014) actor believes that “if someone wants to reject you, they will find a reason to”. “I’ve been rejected many times. The reasons they give to reject you are also sometimes bizarre. But then I got cast in 1920 and played Liza, who was not an Indian girl, so it’s a testament to that,” she tells us.
While the actor is no stranger to having her looks scrutinized on social media, she knows that changing oneself based on the opinions of others is futile.
“I’m okay with changing my eyebrows for a role that demands it. In The Kerala Story (2023), I played a Malayali girl so I could keep the baby hair on my forehead and leave my thick eyebrows as it is. My next film needs me to have unkempt eyebrows, so now I brush them outwards. However, thinking that you’ll be cast in films by changing it in real life because it will look like everyone else’s is silly. And I was that silly person for sometime,” she admits.
Her take on fashion? Having fun while staying comfy. “For personal celebrations, I prefer dressing up in comfortable clothes. Mostly, I steal my mum’s clothes. But if it’s a public event, then I am okay with leaving my comfort zone and have fun with it. I believe fashion should always be fun and not an activity where you feel pressured,” Sharma ends.
In the season of general elections, political thrillers grips the nation’s psyche
8:08 AM
Mimansa Shekhar (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 7, 2024)
Bollywood’s love for political stories is not new, but with the upcoming general elections, there is an increase in political dramas. The year started with Pankaj Tripathi starrer Main Atal Hoon, biopic on former Prime Minister, late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Several other political thrillers, including Article 370, Emergency, Bastar - The Naxal Story, Section 108, The Sabarmati Report, The Delhi Files, are set to hit the screens as filmmakers vie to present intriguing stories on political leaders and key events. But what makes such films click?
The Tashkent Files (2019), The Kashmir Files (2022) and The Vaccine War (2023) filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri says, “A film industry that isn’t making a political film, is dehydrated. Every film should address socio-political issues because it touches our life.” The filmmaker is helming The Delhi Files, which is reportedly based on the 1984 Sikh riots in New Delhi.
In the past, filmmakers like Raj Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, Dev Anand, Guru Dutt, Shyam Benegal, Prakash Jha, Sudhir Mishra, among others brought socio-political commentary in their films. And this genre continues to be a loved by the current crop of filmmakers.
While Yami Gautam Dhar‘s Article 370 is set against the revoking of Article 370 that gave Jammu and Kashmir a special status; Emergency, headlined by Kangana Ranaut, biographical historical drama based on Indian Emergency during former Prime Minister, late Indira Gandhi’s term.
Another reason political thrillers pull in the crowds is the relatability factor. Even if not directly, several movies have subtle political undertones. Pointing at films such as Inquilaab and Aaj Ka MLA (both 1984), Gadar 2 (2023) director Anil Sharma asserts that politics is an integral part of our cinema, “Even today, if you go to the rural areas, people discuss politics sitting under a tree. Political films are a popular sentiment in India, hence it works with the audience.”
Actor Adah Sharma, who spearheaded The Kerala Story (2023), will be seen next in Bastar - The Naxal Story, that traces the Naxal movement in Chattisgarh. The 31-year-old says the final verdict of a film is in the hands of the audience: “In 2023, the biggest movies were Jawaan and Pathaan, which weren’t political thrillers, [but] The Kerala Story was part of the top films. Since time immemorial, movie watchers have embraced all genres equally. Bastar... is a political thriller, if the audience decides it’s well made, it will work.”
With Rang De Basanti (2006), Raajneeti and Rakta Charitra (both, 2010), Aarakshan (2011) and Maharani (2021), we’re seeing an upswing in this genre. The crux remains that important stories are told from every lens and aspect of the political spectrum because that’s what makes the nation think.
Experts share their views
Trade expert Atul Mohan says, “The political thrillers releasing this year don’t have an edge as the audience knows that it can only be agenda driven. Poore desh ka mahaul election ka hai, so news mein zaroor reh sakti hain, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they will do well at the box office also.”
Film exhibitor Akshaye Rathi says, “It’s tough to avoid cricket, cinema and politics in our country. People might say a film is right-leaning, like The Kerala Story or The Kashmir Files, but we’ve also had films like Mulk (2018) or Article 15 (2019), which spoke from the other side of the political leaning.”
Producer and film expert Girish Johar says, “Bheed (2023) was released at the perfect time, but didn’t do well as audiences seek both relevance and entertainment. [For political films], it’s topical as everyone is talking about elections.”
Bollywood rules 2023: Trade experts say "Mooh tod jawaab to those who wrote off Bollywood"
10:58 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 30, 2023)
Bollywood ruled 2023! From our seasoned superstars raking in the moolah to impactful performances by the younger lot, Hindi cinema lovers got it all! Actor Shah Rukh Khan returned to the big screen with a bang, with not just one or two, but three power-packed performances. Actor Sunny Deol, on the other hand, marked his dhamakedar comeback with the sequel to his 2001 hit Gadar: Ek Prem Katha. Actors Ranbir Kapoor (Animal), Vicky Kaushal (Sam Bahadur) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail) proved their mettle.
“What a year! Mooh tod jawaab to those who wrote off Bollywood,” says trade expert Atul Mohan.
CLASH? WHAT’S THAT
The audience was served good content and film clashes on a platter this year. The Akshay Kumar-Pankaj Tripathi-starrer OMG 2 clashed with Deol’s Gadar 2; when everyone thought the latter would devour the former, it never came to pass. We also saw clashes between Kaushal and Kapoor, and Shah Rukh’s Dunki and actor Prabhas’ Salaar.
OMG 2 director Amit Rai says, “We saw masses and classes come out to watch films. Some thought cinema se maar-dhaad gayab ho gaya hai, but public ne woh bhi qubool kiya. Future mein, yeh saal sabse important year maana jaayega, in terms of footfall and collections.”
SMALL FILM WONDER
Films set in small towns like Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (Rs. 88 crore), 12th Fail (Rs. 50 crore) and Satyaprem Ki Katha (Rs. 75 crore), too worked their magic. Controversy was swirling around director Sudipto Sen’s The Kerala Story, but it went on to become one of the biggest successes, this year, as it breached the Rs. 200-crore club.
Sen says, “It’s good for the industry that small films worked.” For Rai, 12th Fail was a surprise: “Vikrant, the lead actor isn’t that big a star. Yet it worked and the return on investment is crazy.”
A SPRINKLE OF DISAPPOINTMENTS
The industry also saw a few lows as some films didn’t quite hit the mark with their box-office collections. Actor Salman Khan’s Tiger 3, one of 2023’s most anticipated releases, with a budget of Rs. 300 crore, earned Rs. 466 crore. Ganapath, made on a budget of Rs. 200 crore, earned Rs. 13.38 crore, while Kuttey and Thank You For Coming, both produced with a budget of Rs. 45 crore, earned Rs. 4.65 crore and Rs. 9 crore, respectively.
Devang Sampat, CEO, Cinepolis India, says, “This is part and parcel of making films. After Covid-19, we saw a recovery of 90% in 2022 and it reached 110% in 2023. It’s a great sign.”
Race begins to select India’s official Oscar entry; The Kerala Story, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Dasara in the list
8:15 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 21, 2023)
The pursuit to determine India’s official entry for Oscars 2024 has kicked off, with a slew of films vying for the coveted spot. Notable contenders include Balagam (Telugu), The Kerala Story (Hindi), Zwigato (Hindi) and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (Hindi).
“The Oscar committee has embarked on its meticulous selection process, involving multiple screenings, which commenced yesterday in Chennai, and the eagerly anticipated final announcement is to be unveiled next week,” says a source close to the selection process.
The decision regarding the official entry will rest in the hands of a 17-member jury, presided over by filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli.
Reports indicate that the committee has received an array of submissions, tallying over 22 entries. Among the noteworthy names forwarded to “the Film Federation of India for Oscar consideration are The Storyteller (Hindi), Music School (Hindi), Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway (Hindi), 12th Fail (Hindi), Viduthalai Part 1 (Tamil), Ghoomer (Hindi) and Dasara (Telugu)”, adds the source.
India triumphed at Oscars 2023, clinching two Academy Awards thanks to S S Rajamouli’s RRR and Guneet Monga’s The Elephant Whisperers, and Pan Nalin’s Gujarati masterpiece Chhello Show was chosen as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category.
The source also said, “The list might have additions such as Vaalvi (Marathi), Gadar 2 (Hindi), Ab Toh Sab Bhagwan Bharose (Hindi), and Baap Lyok (Marathi). We have received their application, but are waiting for the fees.”
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