“The Kerala Story” hits theaters; producers agree to remove teaser claiming conversion of 32K women
Kerala High Court denies stay on release of controversial film
Ernakulam: In its ruling on Friday, the Kerala High Court denied a stay of the release of the controversial film The Kerala Story. The High Court bench of Justices N Nagaresh and Mohammed Nias CP said Kerala society would accept the movie for what it is. In addition, the court asked how a fictional story can create sectarianism and conflict in society. Additionally, the court sought information regarding the trailer.
News agency ANI quoted Kerala High Court as saying: “Nothing will happen just because the film is screened. The teaser of the film was released in November. What was offensive in the film? What is wrong in saying that Allah is the only God? The country gives the citizens the right to believe in their religion and God and spread it. What was offensive in the trailer?”
The Kerala High Court bench has responded to a set of petitions that demanded the cancellation of the censor certificate of a film, claiming that it would corrupt the minds of innocent people. The petitioners have also asserted that the existence of 'Love Jihad' in the state has not been confirmed by any agency. Quoting the Kerala HC, Business Today wrote, “So many movies have already come out about such organisations. There have been references against Hindu monks and Christian priests in many films before. Did you see all this in the way of fiction? What is so special now? How does this movie create sectarianism and conflict in the society?
The Kerala High Court has ruled that the trailer of a film contains nothing that could be deemed offensive to any specific community. The court has also highlighted that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), has watched the movie and deemed it suitable for publication. The movie's producer, Vipul Amrutlal Shah, has agreed to edit the teaser by removing a segment that claimed that over 32,000 women from Kerala had been recruited by ISIS.
According to reports, Shah has informed the High Court that the contentious portion will be taken down from their social media accounts . This announcement comes in the wake of severe criticism and public outcry against the makers of the film. Furthermore, following the backlash, the creators have removed the disputed figure of 32,000 from the trailer description on YouTube, and instead, have described it as the story of three women from Kerala.
"The Kerala Story" explores the topic of alleged forced conversion of young women to Islam in Kerala and their subsequent induction into the militant Islamist group, ISIS. The movie is available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam languages and features actors Adah Sharma, Siddhi Idnani, Sonia Balani, and Yogita Bihani in prominent roles.
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Passing out parade held at IMA Dehradun, 491 young officers join Indian Army
Dehradun(PTI): After undergoing rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, 491 cadets participated in a grand Passing Out Parade on Saturday and will now be commissioned as officers in the Indian Army.
The spectacular parade, held at the historic Drill Square in front of the academy's Chatwood Building, was reviewed by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, who served as the reviewing officer.
Along with 491 Indian cadets, 34 foreign cadets from 14 friendly countries also participated in the Autumn Term 2025 Passing Out Parade.
A total of 525 officer cadets from the 157th Regular Course, 46th Technical Entry Scheme, 140th Technical Graduate Course, 55th Special Commissioned Officers Course, and Territorial Army Online Entrance Exam 2023 Course participated in the Passing Out Parade.
The 'Sword of Honour' and gold medal for securing first place during training was awarded to ACA Nishkal Dwivedi, the silver medal to BUO Badal Yadav for second place, and the bronze medal to SUO Kamaljeet Singh for third place.
The silver medal for securing first place in the 'Technical Graduate Course' was awarded to Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujit Sampat, and the silver medal for first place in the 'Technical Entry Scheme-46' was awarded to WCC Abhinav Mehrotra.
The silver medal for the 'Special Commission Officer Course' was given to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri.
Among the foreign cadets, the first place in merit was secured by JUO Mohammad Safin Ashraf from Bangladesh. The Army Chief's Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term was awarded to Imphal Company.
As the parade concluded, helicopters showered flowers on the newly commissioned officers from the sky.
On this occasion, General Dwivedi congratulated the new officers in his address for successfully completing their training. He praised the young officers for their high level of discipline, leadership qualities, and endurance, and urged them to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and honour.
General Dwivedi said that joining the army marks the beginning of a lifelong duty and selfless service.
The parents and guardians of the newly commissioned officers were also present during the passing out parade.
