The Kerala Story: Why an Indian film on Islamic State is so controversial

Controversy swirls around new Indian movie, 'The Kerala Story', which tells of the experiences of women lured into joining the Islamic State (IS). The film has been widely criticized as propaganda and an attempt to destroy religious harmony, and is being called out for its lack of nuance. Despite this, the movie has become a hit at the box office, earning over 560 million rupees ($6.8m, £5.4m) in five days, a significant feat for any new release.

Some BJP leaders have praised the film, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and two state governments have made it tax-free. But in West Bengal, where the Trinamool Congress governs, the film has been banned due to concerns it could be dangerous to peace and order. The film is also accused of demonising Muslims and peddling Islamophobia, sparking social media campaigns such as #MyKeralaStory and #RealKeralaStory. 

The film's makers argue that it is based on true events and years of research, but a fact-checking website has debunked the claim that the film tells the "heart-breaking and gut-wrenching stories of 32,000 females" from the state who joined the IS. The film has been accused of being part of a larger campaign to disturb religious harmony and insult the state. Although the state's chief minister has criticised the film, his government has not banned it. The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition from the film's makers against the ban. 

Key Points:

- 'The Kerala Story' tells of women who were lured into joining the IS and has become a box office hit.

- It has been criticised as propaganda and an attempt to destroy religious harmony and is accused of demonising Muslims and peddling Islamophobia.

- BJP leaders have praised the film and two state governments have made it tax-free, but it has been banned in West Bengal.

- Social media campaigns, including #MyKeralaStory and #RealKeralaStory, have been launched in response.

- The film has been accused of being part of a larger campaign to disturb religious harmony and insult the state.

- The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition from the film's makers against the ban.