The Kerala Story Producer Appeals to Mamata Banerjee to Embrace the Film Following SC’s Ban Lift in WB: ‘Open to Constructive Criticism

The director and producer of the film “The Kerala Story” responded to the recent Supreme Court verdict lifting the ban imposed by the West Bengal Government. Vipul Shah, the film’s producer and creative director, made a heartfelt appeal to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to watch the film alongside the team. Meanwhile, director Sudipto Sen hailed the Supreme Court’s decision, labeling the initial ban as “illegal.” The film will now be screened in West Bengal, following the court’s ruling.

Supreme Court Verdict: “The Kerala Story” Ban Lifted in West Bengal

Vipul Shah, the producer of “The Kerala Story,” expressed his request for Mamata Banerjee to watch the film and engage in a discussion with the team. Speaking to ANI, he said, “With folded hands, I would like to tell Mamata Didi to watch this film with us and discuss with us if she finds anything as such. We would like to listen to all her valid criticisms and present our point of view…This is democracy that we get to talk about. We can agree to disagree. We can discuss our differences. This is my request, and we will be waiting.”

Sudipto Sen, the director, emphasized that no state has the authority to ban a film after it has received clearance from the Censor Board. He deemed the ban illegal and commended the Supreme Court for their ruling. Sen stated, “Supreme Court proved once again that everyone has the right to watch the film, you may or may not like it, but you can’t stop someone forcefully. We always trusted the Supreme Court… Thank you to everyone who supported us, including the people of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu who reached out to me. They can watch the film tomorrow.”

On May 8, Mamata Banerjee announced the ban on “The Kerala Story” in West Bengal, citing the need to prevent any incidents of hatred, violence, and to maintain peace in the state. The film was also pulled from theaters in Tamil Nadu.

However, on Thursday, the Supreme Court lifted the ban in West Bengal and instructed the film’s producer to include a disclaimer stating that the movie is a “fictionalized version” and that there is no authentic data supporting the claim that 32,000 Hindu and Christian girls converted to Islam. As a result, the film will now be screened in theaters across West Bengal. The court also directed Tamil Nadu to ensure adequate security arrangements for moviegoers.

“The Kerala Story” features Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani, and Sonia Balani in leading roles. Directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film has stirred a significant political controversy since the release of its trailer, with many labeling it as a propaganda film.

“The Kerala Story” director Sudipto Sen and producer Vipul Shah expressed their reactions following the Supreme Court’s verdict overturning the ban on the film imposed by the West Bengal Government. They welcomed the court’s decision and extended an invitation to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to watch the film and engage in discussions. The film, which had triggered a political controversy, will now be screened in West Bengal, allowing audiences to form their own opinions about it.

In response to the developments, Vipul Shah, who served as the producer and creative director of “The Kerala Story,” humbly requested Mamata Banerjee to watch the film alongside the team and engage in a dialogue to address any concerns she may have. He emphasized the importance of listening to valid criticisms and presenting their point of view, highlighting the essence of democracy that allows for open discussions and respectful disagreements. Shah expressed gratitude for the Supreme Court’s intervention, asserting that no state has the right to forcibly prevent the viewing of a film that has already received clearance from the Censor Board. He expressed his willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and awaited Mamata Banerjee’s response.

Director Sudipto Sen echoed Vipul Shah’s sentiments, considering the ban imposed on “The Kerala Story” as illegal. Sen expressed his appreciation for the Supreme Court’s verdict, which reinforced the rights of individuals to watch the film, even if they may not personally like its content. He acknowledged the trust placed in the judiciary and extended gratitude to all the supporters, including the people of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, who had reached out to him during this challenging period. Sen concluded by reaffirming the public’s right to watch the film, expressing his gratitude for the support received, and encouraging viewers to form their own opinions.

Overcoming Controversy: Supreme Court Allows Screening of “The Kerala Story” in West Bengal

On May 8, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had announced a ban on “The Kerala Story” in West Bengal, citing the need to prevent any potential incidents of hatred and violence while ensuring peace in the state. The film was subsequently removed from theaters in Tamil Nadu as well. However, the Supreme Court’s recent decision overturned the ban in West Bengal, ordering the film’s producer to include a disclaimer stating that it was a fictionalized version without any authentic data supporting the claim that 32,000 Hindu and Christian girls had converted to Islam. As a result of the court’s ruling, the film will now be screened in West Bengal, allowing audiences to make their own informed judgments.

“The Kerala Story” features prominent actors such as Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani, and Sonia Balani in lead roles. Directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film garnered attention and controversy due to its subject matter. The lifting of the ban by the Supreme Court ensures that the film can be watched by the public, encouraging open discussions and diverse perspectives.

Director Sudipto Sen and producer Vipul Shah express relief and gratitude as Supreme Court lifts ban on “The Kerala Story” in West Bengal, allowing the film to be screened in the state. The decision comes after a period of controversy and political debate surrounding the film’s content. Vipul Shah extends an invitation to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to watch the film and engage in discussions, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and the opportunity to address any concerns. Sudipto Sen labels the ban as illegal and praises the Supreme Court for upholding the right to watch the film, while expressing gratitude for the support received.

“The Kerala Story” had faced a ban imposed by the West Bengal Government on May 8, with Mamata Banerjee citing the intention to prevent potential incidents of hatred and violence and maintain peace in the state. The film was subsequently removed from theaters in Tamil Nadu as well. However, the recent verdict by the Supreme Court overturns the ban in West Bengal, allowing the film to be screened. As per the court’s decision, the film’s producer will include a disclaimer stating that it is a fictionalized version without substantiated data on the claimed conversions of Hindu and Christian girls to Islam.

Vipul Shah, the film’s producer and creative director, humbly urges Mamata Banerjee to watch “The Kerala Story” alongside the team and engage in discussions to address any perceived issues. He emphasizes the democratic value of open dialogue and the opportunity to listen to valid criticisms, while presenting their own perspective. Shah expresses gratitude to the Supreme Court for intervening and reiterates that once a film has received clearance from the Censor Board, no state has the authority to forcibly restrict its viewing. He eagerly awaits Mamata Banerjee’s response, highlighting the importance of respectful disagreements and the chance to bridge differences.

Director Sudipto Sen echoes Vipul Shah’s sentiments, appreciating the Supreme Court’s verdict and reaffirming the public’s right to watch the film. He considers the ban imposed on “The Kerala Story” as illegal, and praises the judiciary for upholding individuals’ rights and freedoms. Sen expresses gratitude towards the supporters of the film, including the people of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, who reached out during the challenging times. He encourages viewers to form their own opinions about the film and acknowledges that personal preferences may vary.

“The Kerala Story” features notable actors Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani, and Sonia Balani in lead roles. Directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the film has garnered attention and sparked controversy due to its subject matter. The Supreme Court’s decision allows for the film’s screening in West Bengal, enabling audiences to engage in discussions and form diverse perspectives about its content.

The lifting of the ban on “The Kerala Story” signifies a triumph for artistic expression and the freedom to engage with thought-provoking narratives. With the film now set to be shown in West Bengal, audiences will have the opportunity to experience it firsthand and participate in the ongoing dialogue surrounding its themes and messages.