CM Pinarayi Vijayan slams National Awards for honoring 'The Kerala Story'
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticized the 71st National Film Awards for giving top honors to The Kerala Story.
He believes the jury is backing a divisive narrative and spreading misinformation, calling the decision a blow to Kerala's tradition of harmony.
Jury has lent legitimacy to a divisive ideology: Vijayan
Vijayan stated, "By honoring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala's image...the jury has lent legitimacy to a divisive ideology."
He also called it an insult to Indian cinema's legacy of unity, urging people to stand up for truth and constitutional values.
CPI(M) leader has been against the film since its release
Vijayan, who leads the CPI(M) in Kerala, has been against the film since its 2023 release. He argues its take on forced conversions is misleading and harmful.
The movie was banned in several states and stirred up major political debate in Kerala.