The Kerala Story has created a controversial storm in politics

Ever since the Kerala Story has released, it is engulfed with controversy as some states want it banned and other states are planning to make it tax-free. Sparking political debate between state governments, the film release has performed exceptionally well at the box office. The movie projected how the Hindu community in India is under threat and several women were radicalised by Islamic fundamentalists.

Despite the controversial theme of the film, it has managed to garner mixed reviews as it outperformed other star-studded releases in recent months. Though the critics have given it poor reviews, the entire media hype and the controversial content has worked in favour of 'The Kerala Story'.

Bollywood fraternity voiced their opinions and are against the ban. When a movie is made, several factors are at play like the concept, film crew, investors, etc. Renowned senior actor Anupam Kher told the press that 'I have not seen the film but I am happy that people are making films which are close to reality. And those who feel it is propaganda are free to make movies dealing with the subject they find perfect. No one is stopping them.' Actress Shabana Azmi tweeted, those who speak of banning The Kerala Story are as wrong as those who wanted to ban Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha. Once a film has been passed by the Central Board of Film Certification, nobody has the right to become an extra-constitutional authority.

Director Anurag Kashyap wrote in a tweet, you agree with the film or not, be it propaganda, counter-propaganda, offensive or not, to ban it is just wrong. You want to fight propaganda. Then go in numbers and see the film that talks against the misuse of social media and how inherent prejudice is weaponised to create hatred and unrest       .

At an election rally in Karnataka, PM Modi quoted there is a lot of discussion about The Kerala Story, which discusses ploys to make the country hollow from within. Such a beautiful state, where people are hardworking and talented, The Kerala Story exposes terror conspiracies.

Making an endorsement gesture towards The Kerala Story, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have declared it tax-free. Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh tweeted, The Kerala Story exposing the horrific truth of terrorism is being made tax-free in Madhya Pradesh.

Whereas Tamil Nadu state has removed the film from many theatres on poor collection basis. Joint Secretary of Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association, Sridhar said due to the film’s poor collection and to maintain law and order in the state, we stopped screening the film across Tamil Nadu. We want to protect our theatres and we also have to think about the audience's interest.

Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamta Banerjee called for a ban on this film as it could cause a law-and-order situation in the state. The director of   The Kerala Story, Sudipto Sen said that the CM has decided to ban the film without having watched it. "It is a politically motivated and misguided decision. I request her to watch the film and decide if it may pose any law-and-order issue.