The Kerala Story National Award Win Called INSULT By State’s CM, BJP’s Amit Malviya Hits Back: ‘Love Jihad Is Real, Wake Up Before…’

The Kerala Story winning big at the 71st National Film Awards has sparked a major political fight. The film won Best Director for Sudipto Sen and Best Cinematography, but not everyone is celebrating.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called the recognition of The Kerala Story an “insult” to the people of Kerala. In a strong message on X (formerly Twitter), he accused the jury of encouraging a “divisive narrative.” 

Whis Is State’s CM Ashamed Of The Kerala Story Winning National Award?

According to him, the film spreads false claims meant to damage Kerala’s image and create communal tension.

He wrote, “By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala’s image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury of the #NationalFilmAwards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar.”

Vijayan also said Kerala has always stood for unity and secularism. He added that this award was hurtful not just for Malayalis, but also for anyone who believes in democracy and the Constitution.

By honouring a film that spreads blatant misinformation with the clear intent of tarnishing Kerala’s image and sowing seeds of communal hatred, the jury of the #NationalFilmAwards has lent legitimacy to a narrative rooted in the divisive ideology of the Sangh Parivar. Kerala, a…

— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) August 1, 2025

Opposition leader VD Satheesan supported Vijayan’s view. He too criticised the film’s portrayal of Kerala.

Amit Malviya HITS Back With Ex- CM’s Quotes

BJP leader Amit Malviya responded strongly to the criticism. In a post, he said Vijayan was ignoring real issues. Malviya brought up statements made by former Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan, who had warned that conversions were rising in the state. Malviya claimed that people were being paid and encouraged to marry Hindu girls to increase the Muslim population.

He also referred to ex-CM Oommen Chandy from the Congress party, who once admitted that over 7,000 conversions happened between 2006 and 2012.

Malviya said, “Love Jihad is real and dangerous. Our girls are being lured away and turned into cannon fodder for radical terror organisations.”

Check out his post below

“Their plan is to turn Kerala into a Muslim state within the next 20 years. To achieve this, they are luring youngsters, offering them money, and pressuring them to marry Hindu girls in order to increase the Muslim population. This is how they are expanding their majority—and… https://t.co/gOa5RvxR3N pic.twitter.com/yxhk9kQtG7

— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 2, 2025

About The Kerala Story

Released in 2023, The Kerala Story stars Adah Sharma and follows the story of young women from Kerala allegedly being radicalised and sent to ISIS. The filmmakers claim it is based on real stories. But many politicians and civil rights groups believe it exaggerates facts and spreads fear. The film faced bans and legal trouble in several regions.

Even though The Kerala Story created division, Kerala leaders praised the Malayalam film industry. Actor Vijayaraghavan and actress Urvashi were awarded Best Supporting Actor honours. CM Vijayan congratulated them and called it a proud moment for Malayalam cinema.