What Challenges Did Sudipto Sen Encounter While Filming 'The Kerala Story'?
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Synopsis
In this article, filmmaker Sudipto Sen shares his experiences while shooting 'The Kerala Story' in challenging locations like Kerala and Ladakh. Facing numerous obstacles and controversies, Sen's journey reflects the dedication and struggle behind creating impactful cinema. Discover the trials he overcame to bring this remarkable story to life.
Key Takeaways
- Sudipto Sen directed 'The Kerala Story'.
- The film received two National Awards.
- Filming presented significant challenges, particularly in Kerala and Ladakh.
- The film's narrative is controversial, based on the 2016 Hadiya Case.
- It has sparked protests and legal scrutiny.
Mumbai, Aug 5 (NationPress) Filmmaker Sudipto Sen has achieved remarkable success with his 2023 film, "The Kerala Story", which has garnered two National Awards: Best Direction for Sudipto Sen and Best Cinematography for Prasantanu Mohapatra.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Sen shared the hurdles he encountered while filming in Kerala and Ladakh.
He explained that while indoor scenes were shot in Bombay without much hassle, the outdoor filming in Kerala proved challenging due to the guerrilla-style shooting they had to employ, as they did not receive necessary permissions for road and village shoots.
“We engaged in guerrilla shooting for seven days, and it was quite tough,” the director reminisced.
Regarding their schedule in Ladakh, Sen mentioned, “Filming took place at high altitudes in the Karakoram region, where temperatures plummeted to -15 degrees, and the winds made it challenging to maintain stability.”
“We faced numerous challenges, especially in Ladakh. Nevertheless, we were committed to achieving the finest cinematography to convey our narrative,” Sen revealed.
Released on May 5, 2023, "The Kerala Story" is inspired by the controversial 2016 Hadiya Case, which suggests that thousands of Hindu women in Kerala have been converted to Islam and recruited by the Islamic State.
Following the film's trailer release, the Supreme Court received petitions seeking to ban it, labelling it as "audio-visual propaganda." However, the court declined to intervene, stating that the film had received certification for release.
The film also encountered significant protests in regions such as Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.
Furthermore, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the National Award given to the film, expressing his discontent.
The Chief Minister tweeted, "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."
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the complexity surrounding Sudipto Sen's 'The Kerala Story'. The film has sparked significant debate and protests, reflecting the diverse perspectives within our society. While it has been celebrated for its direction and cinematography, the controversies it incites reveal deeper societal issues that merit discussion. It's essential to approach this narrative with an unbiased lens, considering both artistic expression and the reactions it provokes.
NationPress
28/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What awards did 'The Kerala Story' win?
The film won two National Awards for Best Direction (Sudipto Sen) and Best Cinematography (Prasantanu Mohapatra).
What are the challenges faced during filming?
Filmmaker Sudipto Sen faced guerrilla shooting challenges in Kerala and extreme weather conditions in Ladakh.
What is the basis of 'The Kerala Story'?
The film is believed to be inspired by the 2016 Hadiya Case, addressing the alleged conversion of Hindu women in Kerala.
Did the film face legal challenges?
Yes, petitions were filed in the Supreme Court to ban the film, but the court declined to intervene.
What was the reaction from Kerala's Chief Minister?
Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the film's National Award, citing misinformation and communal discord.
