In the world of Indian cinema, certain films manage to create a stir even before their release, and ‘The Kerala Story’ directed by Sudipto Sen is undoubtedly one such example. The movie, which initially faced challenges in finding an OTT platform, is now set to make its digital debut on Zee5, with streaming scheduled to begin on February 16, 2024.
Actress Adah Sharma, who plays a prominent role in the film, took to Instagram to share the exciting news with her fans. The announcement marked the end of a prolonged wait for those who missed the movie in theaters or were eager to experience it again. Interestingly, the journey of ‘The Kerala Story’ from its box office success to its OTT release has been riddled with controversies and challenges.
The Controversial Journey:
‘The Kerala Story’ entered the spotlight even before its release, with the film’s trailer claiming that 32,000 women had gone missing in Kerala. The exaggerated figures sparked objections, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee labeled it a ‘distorted story.’ The controversy led to a ban on the film in West Bengal, later lifted by the Supreme Court.
Despite facing backlash and challenges, ‘The Kerala Story’ emerged as one of the most successful films at the box office in 2023. The movie, released on May 5, 2023, garnered a global collection of Rs 303.97 crore, making it the fifth highest-grossing film of the year.
The OTT Debut:
After months of anticipation, ‘The Kerala Story’ is finally making its way to the digital realm through the popular OTT platform, Zee5. Reports suggest that Zee5 successfully secured the streaming rights, aligning with the growing trend among OTT platforms to acquire exclusive content. This move positions Zee5 to cater to its subscribers with the much-awaited film, featuring Adah Sharma in a prominent role.
The Kerala Story’s Plot:
The film narrates the gripping tale of three girls – Shalini (Adah Sharma), Nimah (Yogita Bihani), and Geetanjali (Siddhi Idnani). Manipulated by their roommate Asifa (Sonia Balani), they are coerced into converting to another religion. Divided into two parts, the movie first portrays the manipulation leading to their conversion, while the second half unfolds Shalini’s journey as Fatima Ba – a converted member of a terrorist group imprisoned in Afghanistan.
Director Sudipto Sen expressed the challenges of translating such a sensitive topic into a film but emphasized. The box office success as his assurance to continue having faith in his work. He urged those who haven’t watched the film to experience ‘The Kerala Story’ on Zee5, promising a transformational experience.
The Cast and Crew:
The success of ‘The Kerala Story’ can be attributed not only to its gripping narrative but also to the stellar performances of the cast. Adah Sharma takes on the role of Shalini Unnikrishnan, supported by Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, Siddhi Idnani, and others. Director Sudipto Sen’s vision, coupled with the production by Vipul Amrutlal Shah for Sunshine Pictures. Brings forth a compelling cinematic experience.
The Kerala Story – Real or Fiction?
While ‘The Kerala Story’ has been praised for its storytelling and performances, questions linger about its authenticity. The controversy surrounding the exaggerated figures and Mamata Banerjee’s criticism raised doubts about the accuracy of the narrative. However, the film’s box office success and its upcoming digital release on Zee5 suggest a considerable audience interest and engagement.
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Conclusion:
As ‘The Kerala Story’ prepares for its digital debut on Zee5, it marks a significant milestone in its cinematic journey. From facing controversies to achieving box office success. The film has weathered storms and emerged as one of the biggest hits of 2023. The OTT release is expected to reach a broader audience. Allowing viewers to witness the compelling narrative and powerful performances that defined ‘The Kerala Story’. Whether it’s a distorted story or an eye-opener to real-life events, the film has undeniably left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry.
