The Kerala Story is a movie that delves into the issue of alleged radicalization and forced conversion of young Hindu women to Islam in Kerala, after which they are coerced into joining ISIS. The movie is based on a true story of three young girls from different parts of Kerala, and the role of Shalini/Fatima is played by Adah Sharma, who delivers a powerful and emotionally stirring performance.
The director Sudipto Sen has chosen a sensitive and complex subject, and the treatment of the film is said to be difficult to watch with several disturbing scenes, moments and dialogues. However, some reviews suggest that the treatment gets increasingly guided more by local politics than cinematic sagacity. While the movie does have some poignant moments, for the most part, it is either the gullible girls eager to buy the propaganda or sly creatures with Muslim names; there is no voice of sanity, and nuance is nowhere to be found.
The movie also features the narration of a converted Muslim woman, Fatima Ba, who shares her story of being abducted from her home and manipulated by religious vanguards to become an ISIS terrorist, eventually landing her in an Afghanistan jail.
The Kerala Story is a movie that highlights a critical issue that is currently affecting many parts of the world, and it is commendable that the director has chosen to bring attention to this subject. The movie attempts to showcase the harrowing experiences of the young girls who are forced to convert and join ISIS, and the emotional toll that this takes on them and their families. Adah Sharma's performance as Shalini/Fatima is powerful, and she brings depth and nuance to her character.
However, as some reviews suggest, the movie could have delved deeper into the issue and provided more nuanced and balanced portrayals of the characters involved. While it is important to raise awareness about the issue of forced conversions and radicalization, it is also important to avoid stereotyping and demonizing entire communities, which can fuel existing biases and prejudices.
Overall, The Kerala Story is a movie that attempts to shine a light on a critical issue, and the performances of the actors, especially Adah Sharma, are noteworthy. However, the treatment of the film could have been more nuanced and balanced to provide a deeper understanding of the complex issues involved. It is a movie worth watching, but with the understanding that it portrays a highly sensitive subject that needs to be examined with care and caution.