New Delhi: Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, who is in Abu Dhabi to receive the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award at IIFA 2023, on Saturday reacted to the ongoing controversy over ‘The Kerala Story’.
During a media interaction, Kamal shared his views on the film ‘The Kerala Story’, he said, “I told you, this is a propaganda film, which I am against. It is not enough if you as people just Let’s write the true story on the side. It really should be true and it isn’t.”
He further added, “It’s not enough that you say based on a true story because that’s what everybody does. I think you have to touch the heart of the audience that this kind of cinema is not the same kind of cinema. Mono Culture is, it is. Not a particularly great thing in art. That’s why all kinds of cinema should end. And I’m a big fan of short films. Like kids who grow up to be something big. I’m also that kind of short Became a star from films made it big with the audience. Awards are a different thing. I am talking about the audience who acknowledges and respects him much before the award jury.”
‘The Kerala Story’ is facing criticism from political parties due to its storyline.
‘The Kerala Story’ stars Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani and Sonia Balani in lead roles. The film sparked controversy when its trailer claimed that 32,000 women from Kerala had gone missing and joined the terrorist group ISIS. The statement sparked a heated political debate and several politicians questioned the veracity of the claim.
Earlier, on May 18, the Supreme Court had stayed the ban imposed by the West Bengal government on the film ‘The Kerala Story’. The chief said, “The prohibition by West Bengal is not valid. The order of the Additional Secretary of West Bengal will stay.” Justice of India DY Chandrachud said.
The apex court also directed the makers of The Kerala Story to give a suitable disclaimer regarding the unproven number ‘32,000’ mentioned in the film.
Senior advocate Harish Salve, on behalf of the filmmakers, states that the disclaimer – “There is no authentic data to support the suggestion that the conversion figure is 32,000 or any other established figure” and that “the film represents a fictionalized version of the issue”. is” – will be added.
Coming back to IIFA, this year veteran actor Kamal Haasan will be honored with the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema award at the ceremony.
Apart from them, actor-couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza will also be honored for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Regional Cinema’ and designer Manish Malhotra for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Fashion in Cinema’.
The mega celebrations began on Friday with Shobha IIFA Rocks hosted by Farah Khan Kunder and Rajkummar Rao.
Last night, singers like Amit Trivedi as well as many popular singers, Badshah, Sunidhi Chauhan, Nucleya and Sukhbir Singh rocked the IIFA stage with their performances.
The most awaited special edition this year at Sobha IIFA Rocks is the premiere of an exclusive showcase by leading celebrity designer Manish Malhotra, who is celebrating 25 years in the fashion industry.
The Grand Finale – NEXA IIFA Awards will take place today and will be hosted by Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal.