In a remarkable feat, Adah Sharma‘s latest film ‘The Kerala Story’ has emerged as the second highest-grossing Hindi film of 2023, surpassing the likes of ‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar’ and ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’. The movie’s unstoppable success has solidified its position in the box office race, trailing only behind Shah Rukh Khan’s much-anticipated ‘Pathaan’. Within a mere nine days, ‘The Kerala Story’ soared past the hundred crore mark, leaving audiences awestruck and industry insiders in awe.
The film has not only garnered significant commercial success but has also received overwhelming acclaim from viewers. Adah Sharma, in the lead role, has captivated audiences with her stellar performance, earning abundant appreciation for her portrayal. Despite facing several controversies, ‘The Kerala Story’ has remained steadfast in achieving its intended purpose and captivating audiences with its engaging narrative.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to Twitter to share the exciting news, stating, “The Kerala Story is now the second highest-grossing Hindi film of 2023, overtaking ‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar’ and ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’ to claim the second spot. In its second week, the film collected ₹12.35 crore on Friday, ₹19.50 crore on Saturday, ₹23.75 crore on Sunday, ₹10.30 crore on Monday, and ₹9.65 crore on Tuesday. The total stands at ₹156.69 crore in India.” The film’s outstanding performance at the box office is a testament to its wide appeal and resonance with the audience.
However, ‘The Kerala Story’ hasn’t been without its share of controversies. While it has received praise from unexpected quarters, including being hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and receiving tax-free status in Uttar Pradesh, it has also faced criticism and opposition. Political leaders such as Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have deemed the film as propaganda and subsequently banned it in their respective states. Additionally, multiplex owners in Tamil Nadu have discontinued screenings of the film.
Directed by Sudipto Sen, ‘The Kerala Story’ delves into the compelling narrative of Fathima Ba, portrayed brilliantly by Adah Sharma. The film sheds light on the plight of Hindu Malayali nurses who went missing in Kerala and were forcibly recruited by the ISIS after being coerced into converting to Islam. Furthermore, it explores the contentious topic of ‘Love Jihad,’ highlighting instances where Hindu girls are allegedly manipulated by Muslim men to embrace Islam and abandon their families.
Even before its release, ‘The Kerala Story’ courted controversy, with petitions being filed against it for alleged hate speech and audio-visual propaganda. The film’s portrayal of a real story and its claim of 32,000 missing women from Kerala sparked debates and accusations of fabrication by political leaders.
Amidst all the buzz, ‘The Kerala Story’ stands as a testament to Adah Sharma’s powerhouse performance and the film’s ability to captivate audiences with its thought-provoking storyline. As it continues to make waves at the box office, it solidifies its position as a significant milestone in Bollywood’s cinematic landscape.
