Movie Review: ‘The Kerala Story’, a compelling film on radicalization, offers a stark, necessary look at extremism with standout performance by Adah Sharma.
Our delay in reviewing “The Kerala Story” was deliberate. We aimed to approach the film without bias, allowing the narrative to unfold without the influence of pre-established assumptions and hype.
A testament to the film’s popularity, local theaters were consistently near capacity, making it challenging to secure seats for immediate viewing.
In particular, securing a preferred seating position in Cinepolis Bistupur on the same day was nearly impossible. One had to reserve a ticket at least a day in advance to secure a desired spot, whether in the corner or the middle.
Finally, we managed to experience the film firsthand, on Friday.
Our conclusion? “The Kerala Story” is an extraordinary film with a captivating storyline that commands your undivided attention from start to finish.
“The Kerala Story” is a profound cinematic experience, delivering an impactful narrative on the terrors of radicalization and extremism through its masterful storytelling and excellent performances.
The film, directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, is set in the picturesque landscape of Kerala, India. But beneath its beauty lies a chilling narrative, one that tells the tale of three young women lured into the dark world of ISIS.
Adah Sharma’s portrayal of Shalini, the central character, is stellar. Sharma brings a palpable sense of humanity to her role, masterfully capturing the transformation from an innocent young woman to a radicalized individual. This portrayal invokes sympathy and a deeper understanding of the complexity surrounding individuals who find themselves on the path of extremism.
Shalini’s story is the core of the film, but the performances of the supporting cast – Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani – are equally compelling. They provide a robust and nuanced backdrop to the main narrative, intensifying the film’s emotional resonance.
“The Kerala Story” is a disturbing yet essential film, offering a stark depiction of the dark underbelly of extremism and its catastrophic implications. The narrative does not shy away from showing the grim realities of ISIS recruitment, making it a tough watch but one that is necessary to understand the true nature of radicalization.
Beyond its narrative, “The Kerala Story” is a triumph of cinema. It balances its powerful performances with a well-crafted script and impactful direction, resulting in a film that is as artistically brilliant as it is socially relevant.
The film also proves to be a box office triumph, grossing over ₹100 crore (US$13 million) worldwide, indicating its resonance with audiences. Its success reflects the importance of its message and its pertinence in contemporary society.
“The Kerala Story” is a stark wake-up call and a poignant reminder of the dangers of religious extremism. But it also offers a glimmer of hope, showing that individuals can escape from the clutches of extremism and be reintegrated into society. It is a film that enlightens as much as it entertains, making it a must-watch for audiences, especially young people, educators, and parents.
Finally, in a way, we can say, “The Kerala Story” is a powerful, thought-provoking film that bravely tackles the delicate issue of radicalization, offering audiences a balanced and in-depth look at this global issue.
It’s a film that will linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll.
And that is the reason we give it a 5-star rating.
It certainly deserves 5/5.
