Latest news with #SudiptoSen
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Not 'The Kerala Story': These films truly captured the soul of 'God's Own Country'
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Remember that time in your childhood when you made a mistake and told your mom it was actually your sibling's fault? Keep that in mind the next time you watch 'The Kerala Story', directed by Sudipto Sen. Cinema is undoubtedly a powerful medium—capable of spreading both misconceptions and truths, capable of upholding a reputation or destroying one. "Katrina Kaif inte oru chaaya..." Sudipto Sen takes on heavy subjects like terrorism in his film, claiming it is factual. But the real question is: how can a director who doesn't even understand the basics of how a Malayali speaks or how a Malayali girl dresses claim to have in-depth knowledge about such sensitive topics—and call it the truth? When the foundation is faulty, how can the structure be trusted? It is clear from the film that neither the director nor the actors or even the crew was aware of Kerala or its culture and the main purpose was to deliver a propaganda. — beingabhi2712 (@beingabhi2712) Pinarayi Vijayan: Honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation… Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly criticized 'The Kerala Story's recognition at the National Awards. He tweeted: '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. Kerala, a land that has always stood as a beacon of harmony and resistance against communal forces, has been gravely insulted by this decision. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates Undo It is not just Malayalis, but everyone who believes in democracy, who must raise their voice in defence of truth and the constitutional values we hold dear. ' Now, let's not even get into how the film bagged the Best Cinematography Award. Put 'The Kerala Story' aside. Take a look at these Malayalam films that truly captured the heart and soul of Kerala. Directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, '2018' is a gripping portrayal of the 2018 Kerala floods. The film vividly showcases the state's spirit of unity and resilience. The film highlights how people from all walks of life such as fishermen, doctors, soldiers, and ordinary citizens, came together to face a natural calamity. It beautifully captures Kerala's communal harmony, selflessness, and collective strength. The film is set against the diverse and stunning landscapes of the state, from bustling cities to serene backwaters. A powerful tribute to Kerala's empathy and strength. (Picture Courtesy: Facebook) "We wanted to show the world the untold stories of people" - Tovino Thomas In an exclusive chat with Tovino Thomas who played on of the leads in '2018', he said that the main purpose of the movie was to convey the untold stories of people who faced the calamity with much strength and unity. The '2018' actor told us, "We wanted to show the world the untold stories of people who rose above adversity when faced with nature's fury and how, in the midst of chaos, humanity shone its brightest. Our collective effort to bring these stories to our audience has now reached international recognition. ' He further said, "Amidst the darkness of calamity and the ruins it left behind, the film illuminates the triumph of the human spirit." Tovino Thomas thrilled over '2018' as India's official Oscars 2024 entry "Tovino said - Chetta this film could create history" - Jude Anthany Joseph In an exclusive interview wit ETimes, the '2018' director said, "Though we knew that '2018' would emerge as a hit, this kind of response was beyond our imagination. We are grateful to the audience for this immense response. Initially, when I pitched the idea, nobody really believed that we could make a movie about the floods. Tovino Thomas, however, gave me his date, and producer Anto Joseph believed in me." Jude further said, "Though they weren't sure if I could pull it off, they trusted my vision. The only thing Tovino Thomas told me when he blocked his dates for me was, 'Chetta, this film could create history, so put your best." 'Kumbalangi Nights' (2019) Directed by Madhu C. Narayanan, the film is set in a fishing village near Kochi, 'Kumbalangi Nights' dives deep into the social fabric of modern Kerala. Through the story of four brothers, the film explores themes of family, masculinity, mental health, and evolving gender roles. The movie features Soubin Shahir, Fahadh Faasil, Sreenath Bhasi, Shane Nigam, Anna Ben and others in pivotal roles. 'Virus' (2019) (Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Directed by Aashiq Abu, the film is based on the 2018 Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala. 'Virus' reflects the state's societal resilience and scientific spirit. The film portrays the collective efforts of healthcare workers, government officials, and citizens as they confront a deadly epidemic. Through the film, Aashiq Abu conveys the idea that Malayalis stand united, no matter the caste, religion or any other factors. 'Virus' is not just about surviving an epidemic. It's about empathy, trust, and the quiet heroes among us. These films didn't just tell stories. They reflected the spirit of Kerala, its people, its culture, its struggles, and above all, its heart.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
National Film Awards: May the best loyalist win?
Like a Bollywood potboiler, the plot of the National Film Awards gets thicker with each passing year. Why did the jury pick the polarising narrative of The Kerala Story for two awards? Why did the jury wake up to the talent of Shah Rukh Khan after 33 years? The Kerala Story courted controversy for its portrayal of women in Kerala being forcefully converted and recruited by the Islamic State. While those who questioned the decision of bestowing the best director to Sudipto Sen argued that the film pandered to 'majoritarian propaganda with a hate-filled agenda disguised as cinema,' Ashutosh Gowarikar, the head of the jury, felt Sen conveyed a 'difficult topic with clarity', with deep research into events that must have happened. The Supreme Court mandated disclaimer for the film stated that it is a 'fictionalised account of events' and that there is no 'authentic data' to support the claim that 32,000 women were converted to Islam in Kerala, but the makers have reiterated that the film is based on real events and 'is not based on isolated or imagined incidents.' While the government of India presents the National Film Awards, they don't necessarily represent a singular government view on cinema. They are aimed at recognising and celebrating cinematic excellence across languages and genres, promoting unity and integrity through the appreciation of different cultures. However, increasingly, the National Film Awards are seen as a platform to endorse those who are taking the ruling dispensation's line of thought to the audience. A significant chunk of the audience votes for the BJP. It makes business sense for the film producers to give their political thoughts and social fears a cultural context. Besides, it provides soft power to the spin doctors to set the narrative on social media. Drab WhatsApp forwards get livened up with persuasive visuals. One of the cinematic devices to create fear or hate for a group of people is by crafting a narrative that says, 'the other is after our women.' At different points in cinematic history, it has been effectively used in creating a social narrative against African Americans and Jews. If a section of the Hindi film audience feels that Kerala is reeling under the so-called 'Love Jihad', then, even if the numbers are exaggerated and the craft is underwhelming, the emotional impact of The Kerala Story is substantial. When The Kashmir Files bagged the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration in 2021, many felt they were living in an alternate reality because in the past, films like Garm Hava, Tamas, and Dharm had won this prestigious honour whose name has now been changed to Best Feature Film Promoting National, Social and Environmental Values. However, when put into context, the award appears to be in line with the present government's policy on Kashmir, where the abrogation of Article 370 is seen as aligning with its concept of national integration. Put in perspective, the jury's nod for The Kerala Story doesn't come as a surprise. Like The Kashmir Files, The Kerala Story has been openly backed by the top leadership of the BJP. It was declared tax-free in BJP-ruled states. Like the story of forced conversion depicted in the film, it appears to be a tool to brainwash the audience into believing a one-sided narrative. The movie doesn't question the Islamic State's silence on the Palestine question. While the makers claim they are not Islamophobes, they use creative licence to target Islam by presenting it as a religion, whose very value system prepares its followers for extremist ideas. Ostensibly, dramatising the WhatsApp forwards, the film sees a sinister intent in every Hindu-Muslim interaction. Gowarikar reportedly considers box office performance, social impact, and reach when deciding the winner. Of course, there are films and performances where artistic merit, social impact, and popular appeal truly come together. This year, we have 12th Fail, where Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Vikrant Massey conjure up this rare meeting of accessibility and craftsmanship, where Atal Bihari Vajapyee's haar nahin manoonga, raar nahin thanooga (won't give up, won't hold grudge) is aesthetically integrated into the storyline as an anathema to social inequities. However, when it comes to choosing between artistic merit and box office numbers, common sense suggests that the jury should prioritize the former. ALSO READ: 'Ullozhukku' movie review: Urvashi's powerhouse performance carries this haunting drama The National Film Awards are not new to public scrutiny, but during the Congress rule or Congress-supported governments, the controversies were less about explicit political propaganda and more about systemic issues, such as nepotism, jury bias, and a lack of transparency. In 1976, during a period of intense political turmoil, Mrinal Sen's Mrigaaya won the National Film Award. A stark critique of Capitalist power during the Emergency, Utpalendu Chakraborty's Chokh won the best film award in 1982, and G.V. Iyer's Sanskrit biopic of Adi Shankaracharya bagged it the following year. Over the years, the distinction between the best film and the best film offering wholesome entertainment has become increasingly blurred. This year again, critically acclaimed films like Joram and Three of Us could not impress the jury. The criteria behind nominating an actor in a particular category have also been questioned. Seasoned actors Urvashi and Vijayaraghavan have been honoured with best actor in supporting role for Ullozhukku and Pookkaalam, but in the Kerala Film Critics Awards Vijayaraghavan won the best actor award while Urvashi bagged the best actress award in the Kerala State Film Awards for the same performance. More importantly, the jury often tilts towards the stature of the actor rather than his immediate performance. A link is usually drawn between the head of the jury and the actor. Ajay Devgn won the nod for Zakhm when Prakash Jha headed the jury. Ramesh Sippy led the jury when Amitabh Bachchan was selected for Paa and Piku, and Priyadarshan was at the helm when Akshay Kumar won the coveted award for Rustom. Sippy once told this journalist that one can question the choice but should not question the integrity of the jury. So, when Gowarikar announced the name of Shah Rukh, it seemed as if the director was correcting the wrong, as he had been denied the award for Swades, and Saif Ali Khan was surprisingly found more deserving for Hum Tum. It was the time when Sharmila Tagore was at the helm of affairs at the Central Board of Film Certification. ALSO READ: 'Jawan' movie review: Shah Rukh Khan is spectacular in Atlee's socially-charged thriller Moreover, if the political messaging of The Kerala Story serves the purpose of the ruling dispensation, the theme of Atlee's Jawan questions its politics. Shah Rukh plays Azaad, the son of a soldier, Vikram Rathore, who lectures the audience to ask those seeking their votes, 'What will they do for you?' Drawing from eminent Urdu poet Waseem Barelvi's popular couplet, he sings, 'Usulon Pe Jahan Aanch Aaye Takrana Zaroori, Banda Zinda Ho to Nazar Aana Zaroori Hai' (When principles are at stake, one must fight. This battle is what keeps you alive). There are strands of stolen EVMs, false charges against a Muslim doctor, and the villain of the piece is desperate to monetise the country's natural resources because he feels he can circumvent the democratic process. However, it may be a safer bet than Shah Rukh's Pathan, which is a little more layered in its depiction of dissent, where the villain is a rogue army man. Additionally, Jawan appears like a potent option to keep Prithviraj Sukumaran out of contention despite a brilliant turn in Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life. Interestingly, the film questions the practice of slavery in West Asia, where the enslaver and the enslaved person follow the same religion, but, unlike The Kerala Story, director Blessy makes it about humanity rather than a faith. Or, as Urvashi has suggested, Prithiviraj might have been 'snubbed due to the Empuraan controversy,' where, as a director, he dug up the ghost of the Gujarat riots. In contrast, Shah Rukh allegedly played a diplomatic role in the national interest without claiming credit. Our films may be losing depth, but our awards continue to follow a layered script!
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Director Sudipto Sen opens up about guerrilla-style shooting challenges in Kerala, saying, We were exposed to many difficult situations..."
Filmmaker 's 2023 film 'The Kerala Story' has won big at the National Awards, taking home two major honors: Best Direction for Sudipto Sen and Best Cinematography for Prasantanu Mohapatra. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Filming challenges in Kerala and Ladakh In an exclusive chat with IANS, Sudipto Sen opened up about the challenges he faced while shooting The Kerala Story, especially during the filming of scenes in Kerala and Ladakh. Speaking to IANS, Sudipto Sen shared that filming the indoor scenes in Mumbai was relatively easy. However, shooting in Kerala was much more challenging. Since they didn't receive official permission to film on the roads or in the villages, the team had to shoot in a guerrilla style—working quickly and discreetly to get the scenes they needed. "So, it was a kind of guerrilla shooting we did for seven days—it was very difficult," the director recalled. Sen recalls tough weather conditions during the Ladakh shoot. Sudipto Sen spoke about the challenges they faced while shooting 'The Kerala Story' in Ladakh. He revealed that they filmed in the high-altitude region of Karakoram, where temperatures would drop to -15 degrees and strong winds made the conditions even tougher. "We were exposed to many difficult situations—particularly in Ladakh. However, we knew we had to do the best cinematography to tell the story," Sen revealed. Controversy Surrounds 'The Kerala Story' Despite National Awards Win Released on May 5, 2023, 'The Kerala Story' stirred major controversy for its storyline, which is believed to be inspired by the 2016 Hadiya case. The film claims that thousands of Hindu women from Kerala were converted to Islam and recruited by the Islamic State. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Legal challenges and protests across states Soon after the trailer was released, petitions were filed in the Supreme Court calling for a ban on the film, labeling it as "audio-visual propaganda." However, the Supreme Court refused to intervene, stating that the film had already received certification for release. The film also sparked protests in several states, including Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. Many viewed its content as sensitive and polarizing. Kerala CM slams National Award recognition Adding to the backlash, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly criticized the film's National Award win. He expressed deep disappointment and said the decision felt like a personal insult, given the film's controversial portrayal of the state. The CM tweeted, "By honoring 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." Kerala CM Slams Jury: National Awards for The Kerala Story Are 'Insult to Kerala'
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First Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
FTII students body call National Award for 'The Kerala Story' dangerous & disappointing, director breaks silence: 'When a film becomes so big...'
The 2023 film had courted controversy for its portrayal of women in Kerala being forcefully converted and recruited by the terror group Islamic State read more A students' outfit at the Film and Television Institute of India has strongly condemned the decision to confer a national award to 'The Kerala Story', citing that the government-backed recognition for the film is 'not simply disappointing, but dangerous'. Filmmaker Sudipto Sen won the Best Director award for 'The Kerala Story', which also received the award for Best Cinematography at the 71st National Film Awards. The 2023 film had courted controversy for its portrayal of women in Kerala being forcefully converted and recruited by the terror group Islamic State. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Students' Association of the FTII, in a statement on August 2, said 'The Kerala Story' was not a film, but a weapon. 'The state has once again made its position clear: it will reward propaganda disguised as cinema if it aligns with its majoritarian, hate-filled agenda. 'The Kerala Story' is not a film; it is a weapon. A falsified narrative aimed at vilifying the Muslim community and demonising an entire state that has historically stood for communal harmony, education, and resistance,' it said. Cinema is not neutral, it is a powerful instrument of influence, it said, adding that the decision to award the film is 'simply not disappointing, but dangerous'. 'When a government-endorsed body elevates a film that spreads misinformation and paranoia against minorities, it is not merely 'recognising art', it is legitimising violence. It is scripting future lynchings, social exclusion, and political othering,' the statement read. The students' outfit further condemned the fact that cinema is being reduced to a tool of state-sponsored communalism. 'We refuse to accept that Islamophobia is now award-worthy. And we refuse to be silent as the industry we hope to enter is being reshaped to reward lies, bigotry, and fascist ideology. The state must understand: giving awards to propaganda does not make it true. And we, as students and citizens, will not stop calling it what it is-incitement. Violence,' it added. Director Sudipto Sen breaks silence It was a surprise. I expected technical awards. I wanted the work of my technicians to be recognised. When a film becomes so big that even two years after its release, it is being talked about, then it is definitely technically good. That was why I had reason to expect my technicians would get the award. My DOP did, but I would have been happy if my writer, my makeup artist, and my actress Adah Sharma had also won. But that did not happen, and I was a little sad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But at the end of the day, hailing from a modest background and after struggling for 20-25 years, getting the country's top award for film direction is a great honour. It was overwhelming. With added inputs from agencies
NDTV
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
How The Kerala Story Went From "The True Story Of 32,000 Females" To Become Just Fiction
The Kerala Story was in the eye of the proverbial storm when it was gearing up for a release in 2023. The Hindi-language film, initially based on the "true story of 32,000 females" who were coerced into religious conversion, is back into the spotlight for picking up two National Film Awards. Last Friday, the winners of the 71st National Awards were announced by feature film jury chairperson Ashutosh Gowariker. The Kerala Story was among these winners, the film being honoured in two categories -- best director for Sudipto Sen and best cinematography for Prasantanu Mohapatra. What followed was something that was not a bolt out of the blue. When a film like The Kerala Story, which divided opinions across the entire country over its subject matter, is honoured with two National Awards presented by the government of the day, it is bound to generate curiosity. What Happened The Kerala Story, which courted controversy from several quarters over its theme of religious conversion in 2023 upon its release with many claiming that the Hindi film was propaganda targeting a certain community, was named the winner of two National Awards. Produced by Vipul Shah, the film depicted how women from Kerala were forced to convert and were recruited by the terror group Islamic State (IS). Asked why The Kerala Story scooped up two honours at the National Awards, Ashutosh Gowariker told NDTV, "One is the cinematography award. The cinematography in The Kerala Story was very stark and realistic. It didn't ever try to overpower the narrative, the images were created within the realm of things. So, we applauded that." As Sudipto Sen was adjudged the top choice in the best direction category, Ashutosh Gowariker said, "It's a difficult topic and to convey that with the kind of clarity that as a jury we felt the need to applaud it." Following the film's win, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticised the jury's decision. In a post shared on X, he wrote, "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." Why The Kerala Story Created Controversy Back In 2023 The Kerala Story was initially scheduled to be released in January 2023. Months ahead of its release in November 2022, Sunshine Pictures -- the makers of The Kerala Story -- released its teaser claiming the film presents the "heartbreaking and gut-wrenching stories of 32,000 females in Kerala!" But the film was delayed. The Kerala Story was then set to hit the screens on April 21, 2023, only to be postponed again. It was finally released on May 5, 2023. In the run-up to its release, the production banner started singing in a different tune. The latest description of The Kerala Story, according to its trailer on YouTube, read - "A compilation of the true stories of three young girls from different parts of Kerala... Thousands of innocent women have been systematically converted, radicalised and their lives destroyed..." Days ahead of the release, the CPI(M), the ruling party in Kerala, alleged The Kerala Story was "BJP sponsored" and part of the "Sangh Parivar agenda" to divide people and create animosity among them in the state. A section of political parties and social media users said the movie was propaganda targeting a certain community. What The Kerala Story Producer Said About The Controversy Producer Vipul Shah rubbished the allegations, saying they had nothing to do with any political party. "Without any evidence... This is what they are feeling. So without seeing the film, everything is conjecture and their take on it. My truth doesn't change that this is about these three girls, an absolute true story," Vipul Shah had said about The Kerala Story, which was banned in some states such as West Bengal and Tamil Nadu and received tax-free status in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan. Vipul Shah said the teaser talked about the issue in general, whereas the trailer and the film specifically deals with the "true story of three girls". However, the filmmaker added they "stand by" the number of 32,000 women being subjected to religious conversion. "We need to understand that when we came out with a teaser, we were talking about the issue in general. The film specifically deals with the story of three girls. So, the film is also a true story and every scene in the film is true, but it deals with three girls. "However, we are not changing our stand. If we look at the issue, then the number of 32,000 is what we have stated and we are staying by it. But the film is not, so they're two different things," he said at the time in an interview. How The Kerala Story Ended Up Becoming Just A "Story" The Supreme Court too stood by the filmmakers and refused a stay on the release of The Kerala Story after the West Bengal government imposed a ban on its screening. However, the top court asked the producer to add a disclaimer in the movie that The Kerala Story is a "fictionalised account of events" with no "authentic data" to back the suggestion that 32,000 women were converted to Islam in Kerala. The Supreme Court also asked the Tamil Nadu government to clear the release of the film in the state and ensure adequate security measures were in place to allow event-free screenings. On the day of the theatrical release of the film, Vipul Shah told the Kerala High Court that the teaser of the film, claiming that more than 32,000 women from the state were recruited to the Islamic State, will be removed from their social media accounts. As promised by the makers, the teaser of The Kerala Story is no longer available on social media. The film eventually went from being a true story of "heartbreaking and gut-wrenching stories of 32,000 females in Kerala" to a "fictionalised account of events". After the National Awards announcement, Sudipto Sen told NDTV, "If you consider the recognition, yes, millions of Indians and people from all over the world have watched the film and their blessing and their love are always with us. We had already been awarded by the people. But the National Award, it is the biggest award of the nation, when it comes, indeed it is a very surreal feeling definitely". Even though the twin National Award win for The Kerala Story has once again raked up a controversy, the development is a vindication of sorts for the makers.
