Anurag Kashyap, the noted filmmaker, has expressed his views on the recent ban on The Kerala Story in West Bengal. The state government has banned the screening of the film, directed by Sudipto Sen and starring Adah Sharma, citing the possibility of the film causing law and order issues in the state. The film has been surrounded by controversy ever since its trailer was released, and it is facing protests in several states.
Kerala Story Banned: Kashyap’s tweet
In response to the ban, Anurag Kashyap took to Twitter to share a quote by French writer Voltaire, “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.” Kashyap went on to say that whether one agrees with the film or not, propaganda or not, to ban it is just wrong. He believes that banning a film is a violation of freedom of expression, which is a fundamental right in a democracy.
You agree with the film or not, be it propaganda, counter propaganda, offensive or not, to ban it is just wrong. pic.twitter.com/DxNFJC1N4w
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) May 9, 2023
Kerala Story Banned: Kashyap’s support for Afwaah
Kashyap also extended his support to Sudhir Mishra’s recently released film Afwaah. He urged people to watch the film, which talks about the misuse of social media and how inherent prejudice is weaponized to create hatred and unrest. According to Kashyap, watching and supporting the film is the right way to fight propaganda.
About The Kerala Story
The Kerala Story revolves around the story of an innocent Hindu woman from Kerala who is brainwashed by Islamic friends and gets converted. She is later sent to the ISIS Terrorist Organisation. The film claims to be based on real-life incidents where around 32,000 women from Kerala are trapped under this hazardous scheme.
Controversies surrounding The Kerala Story
The film has been in the scanner ever since the release of its trailer. There have been protests and resentment against the film, with many demanding that it should be banned. However, the description of the film’s trailer was recently altered from being the “story of 32,000 women” to that of three women. This sparked another round of debate.
Why West Bengal Has Banned The Kerala Story?
The recent ban on The Kerala Story in West Bengal has sparked a lot of controversy and raised questions about the state government’s decision-making process. Here are some of the reasons that may have led to the ban:
| REASONS | JUSTIFICATIONS |
| Threat to Law and Order | The West Bengal government stated that the film posed a threat to law and order in the state. The government believes that the film has the potential to incite violence and create unrest among certain communities. |
| Political Motives | Some have speculated that the ban could be politically motivated. The director of the film, Sudipto Sen, has accused the government of banning the film because of its content, which he claims is critical of the ruling party. |
| Alleged Misrepresentation of Facts | Another reason behind the ban could be the alleged misrepresentation of facts in the film. The Kerala Story claims to be based on real-life incidents involving the conversion of women in Kerala. However, the authenticity of these claims has been called into question by some critics. |
| Controversial Content | The film’s subject matter and portrayal of certain communities have also come under scrutiny. Some groups have accused the film of promoting hate speech and spreading a false narrative about certain communities. |
Banning of films
Banning a film is a contentious issue in any democracy. While it is understandable that the government must take measures to maintain law and order, such measures should not curtail the fundamental rights of citizens. In a democratic society, people have the right to express their views, and banning a film violates this right. Therefore, it is important to have a balanced approach towards such issues.
What Does Anurag Kashyap’s Overall Tweet Mean?
Anurag Kashyap’s tweet following the ban of The Kerala Story in West Bengal has sparked a lot of discussion online. Here’s what the tweet means and why it’s significant:
- Support for Freedom of Expression:
Kashyap’s tweet can be interpreted as a statement in support of freedom of expression. He suggests that even if you don’t agree with the content of a film, it’s important to defend the filmmaker’s right to express their views.
- Criticism of the Ban:
The tweet also contains a clear criticism of the West Bengal government’s decision to ban the film. Kashyap believes that banning a film, regardless of its content, is the wrong approach.
Conclusion
The recent ban on The Kerala Story in West Bengal has sparked a debate on freedom of expression and the role of the state in regulating it. While some argue that the ban is necessary to maintain law and order, others believe that it is a violation of fundamental rights. Anurag Kashyap’s tweet, urging people to watch Afwaah to fight propaganda, is a reminder that the right way to address such issues is through constructive dialogue and engagement. For more such updates follow our Ceomagazinereview.Â
