The director of the controversial film “The Kerala Story,” Sudipto Sen, has alleged that the film industry has conspired to punish him by refusing to buy the film for streaming on OTT platforms.
The film, which stars Adah Sharma, was released in theaters on May 5 and has been a box-office success. However, it has also been criticized for its portrayal of religious conversions and ISIS. In fact, the film was initially banned in West Bengal and several theaters in Tamil Nadu refused to show it.
Sen has claimed that the film industry has been “ganging up” against him since the film’s release. He says that he has been unable to find an OTT buyer for the film, despite its commercial success. He also alleges that he has been receiving threats from unknown individuals.
“The film industry has ganged up to punish us,” Sen told OpIndia. “They are not happy with the success of our film and they are trying to sabotage it.”
Sen’s allegations have been denied by the film industry. A spokesperson for the Motion Picture Association of India (MPAI) said that the MPAI does not have a policy of boycotting films and that it is up to individual OTT platforms to decide whether or not to buy a film.
The controversy surrounding “The Kerala Story” is a reminder of the challenges that filmmakers face when they make films that deal with sensitive topics. It remains to be seen whether or not the film will be able to find an OTT buyer. However, Sen’s allegations have raised serious questions about the censorship of films in India.
In addition to the above, here are some other things to note:
- The film was released in theaters on May 5, 2023.
- It has been a box office success, grossing over ₹100 crore (US$13 million).
- It has been criticized for its portrayal of religious conversions and ISIS.
- It was initially banned in West Bengal and several theaters in Tamil Nadu refused to show it.
- The director, Sudipto Sen, has alleged that the film industry has conspired to punish him by refusing to buy the film for streaming on OTT platforms.
- The film industry has denied these allegations.
- The controversy surrounding the film is a reminder of the challenges that filmmakers face when they make films that deal with sensitive topics.