Theater owners say the screening of ‘The Kera Story’ affects other films in multiplexes.
Chennai:
Theater owners in Tamil Nadu have decided not to screen the controversial film “The Kerala Story” amid protests against its release. Many online ticket booking platforms have already removed it from their Chennai listing. Presently 13 theaters are showing the film in the state.
Theater owners say that the film’s performance affects other films in multiplexes.
A senior member of the Theater Owners’ Association told NDTV, “Due to law and order concerns, other films shown in multiplexes that screen this film suffer losses. It affects our income. Hence It has been decided.”
Tamil Nadu government has not banned the film. Currently, Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan 2 or PS2 is doing well at the box office.
In Tamil Nadu, “The Kerala Story” is largely distributed by Red Giant Movies. Which has close ties with the ruling DMK.
Announcement of closure of screening of ‘The Kerala Story’
This comes days after the Madras High Court dismissed a petition seeking a ban on the film earlier this week.
Muslim organizations demanded a ban on the film alleging that it made an exaggerated claim that 32,000 Hindu and Christian women in Kerala had converted and been lured to join the terrorist organization ISIS.
Right-wing groups want the film to be screened, claiming it is close to authentic.
The ruling Left Front in Kerala has argued that the film disrespects the southern state and will spread communal hatred. This is a false portrayal of Kerala and there is an ulterior motive behind it, the ruling Left and opposition Congress have alleged.
A promo of the film claimed that 32,000 women from Kerala had joined ISIS, after the makers of the film faced criticism for misrepresenting the facts with “three young girls from different parts of Kerala”. True Stories”.