In a show of support for the film industry, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently greeted the makers of the Hindi film “The Kerala Story” in Lucknow. During a meeting held on Wednesday, the Chief Minister engaged with the film’s team, including lead actor Adah Sharma, director Sudipto Sen, and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah. The movie was declared tax-free in the state, leading to an expression of gratitude from the filmmakers.
Vipul Amrutlal Shah, the creative producer, expressed his gratitude to the Uttar Pradesh government and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their decision to make the film tax-free. He noted that this move not only boosted their morale but also sent a powerful message to the people. Vipul further mentioned that the overwhelming audience response to the film was indicative of its impact, and they were thankful for the Chief Minister’s support. As a gesture of appreciation, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is expected to watch the film in a special screening with the rest of the cabinet at the Lok Bhawan on May 12.
“The Kerala Story,” featuring Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Siddhi Idnani, and Sonia Balani in lead roles, released in theaters on May 5. While it has been well-received in Uttar Pradesh, there have been calls for a ban on the film in states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. However, the filmmakers clarified that the movie is not intended to be against Muslims or Islam but rather aims to shed light on the issue of terrorism and its impact on victims and their families. Vipul shared that the film has prompted several individuals to reconsider their views and apologize after watching it.
The movie has been performing well at the box office, crossing the ₹50 crore mark on its fifth day of release. On Tuesday, it earned ₹11.14 crore, bringing its total domestic box office collection to ₹56.86 crore. In light of its success, “The Kerala Story” is set to be released internationally on May 12.
Amidst the film’s success and popularity, Malayalam actor Tovino expressed concerns about the facts presented in the movie. While acknowledging that such incidents might have occurred, he cautioned against generalizing and spreading misinformation based on the experiences of a few individuals.
With the declaration of tax exemption and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s support, “The Kerala Story” has received a significant boost in Uttar Pradesh. The filmmakers are grateful for the opportunity to share their film with the citizens of the state and are determined to continue portraying stories that resonate with audiences.