Vipul Shah on The Kerala Story’s claim of 32000 women radicalised by Islamic fundamentalists: ‘It didn’t matter whether 32 or 32,000…’

The makers had confidently claimed that the film showcased the story of more than 32,000 Kerala women who’d allegedly been radicalised by Islamic fundamentalists. However, the number was changed to three after protests began online against the alleged misinformation being spread by the film.

In an interview with News18, Shah was asked about the now-withdrawn claim of The Kerala Story, to which the producer responded, “We wanted to tell a story that needed to be told. It was never about numbers. It didn’t matter whether 32 or 32,000 women went through this experience. What matters is that this (religious conversion) happened. And this story had to be brought into the public domain.”

Starring Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani and Sonia Balani, The Kerala Story released last week amid poor reviews but glowing box office collections, trending much like last year’s The Kashmir Files. Both the films received support from the ruling BJP government, with even Prime Minister Narendra Modi citing the film in his speech.

In a rally in Ballari in poll-bound Karnataka on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referenced The Kerala Story in his speech and said, “Such a beautiful state of the country, where people are hardworking and talented. The Kerala Story film brings out terror conspiracies happening in that state.”