‘The Kerala Story’ Shows Cancelled In Multiplexes Across Tamil Nadu Amid Threats From Islamic Groups And Political Parties

Several multiplexes in Tamil Nadu continued to cancel shows of the recently-released film 'The Kerala Story' amid protests organised by radical Muslim political groups and other political parties, including the Naam Tamilar Katchi. (NTK).

On Friday, Islamic organisations gathered around a theatre in Coimbatore to protest against the movie. Several activists of the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK) participated in the protest and alleged that the plot of the movie encourages hatred towards 'minorities'. Police was deployed at malls in the city, like Prozone and Fun Republic, in view of possible protests against the movie. 

The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) also staged protest against the screening of the movie in Coimbatore on Friday (5 May) evening. 

NTK leader Seeman had threatened to lay siege to cinema halls if the film continues to be screened. He claimed that there was an attempt to create a negative perception of Muslims in India.

Former Member of Parliament from Vellore and Tamil Nadu Waqf Board chairman Abdul Rahman claimed the movie was deliberately aimed at sullying “the reputation, traditional and valuable culture of Indian Muslim people, especially Muslim women”. 

Tamil Nadu intelligence services reportedly warned the MK Stalin government of possible protests against the movie and possible threat to law and order.

The New Indian Express quoted Mariappan, owner of the Chennai-based Albert Theatres, as saying that audience safety is another reason for the move. “Audience safety is paramount. Screening this film could lead to law and order and safety issues.”

Tiruppur Subramaniam, president of the Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners Association, however claimed that the shows were cancelled because of 'poor patronage'.

“It is purely based on market reasons. We don’t usually take up small-scale Hindi films for screening", he claimed.