The Kerala Story, directed by Sudeepto Sen, is a huge success at the box office, opening the way for big discussions all over the world. Islamists and political parties including CPM and Congress had come forward against the film, which talks about the covert movements of converting women from Kerala to become part of the terrorist organization Islamic State (ISIS).
Their argument was that what is said in the movie is not true. Now, the makers of The Kerala Story have responded to those campaigning against the film by introducing the victims. About 26 women who were trapped and suffered hell through forced conversion have revealed their survival story to the media.
Producer Vipul Amritlal Shah told the media that the film is about three women, but The Kerala Story is the story of thousands of women and the film is based on true events. After this, the workers introduced the victimized women. They shared their experiences in the audience. One of the victims revealed that they have brought back around 7000 converted women.
"Since 1999, we have succeeded in bringing back 7,000 converted women. Out of 7,000 women, these 26 are dedicated to the mission. We fight conversions and bring people back. Not only girls but also boys are converted in this way. 15-17 year old boys are converted to Islam. Four cases have come before us in the last one year. If you look at such a figure, it will be much more than 32,000,' says the woman.
Director Sudeepto Sen also pointed out that there are two Keralas in Kerala. "One part of Kerala is beautiful, the other part is a base for terrorist networks. There are two Keralas within Kerala. The former is blessed with Kalaripayat, dancing backwaters and beautiful landscape. Secondly, Sudeepto Sen says that Kerala is another strong terrorist network.
Producer Vipul Amritlal Shah also commented that his aim was to show the story of girls victimized by Islam and people should call it 'Love Jihad' or something. He also pointed out that there are many girls trapped in the grip of Islam and ISIS who are in prison in Afghanistan.