I'm against propaganda films: Kamal Haasan on 'The Kerala Story' controversy
AbuDhabi: Veteran actor Kamal Haasan on Saturday called "The Kerala Story" a propaganda, saying a film does not become a "true story" just by carrying a tagline. Directed by Sudipto Sen, "The Kerala Story" has polarised the political discourse in the country as it depicts how women from Kerala were forced to convert and recruited by the terror group Islamic State (IS).
Talking to reporters here on the sidelines of IIFA Awards and Weekend, the actor-filmmaker said he is "dead against" the propaganda movies as they are based on "lies" that divide people of the country.
"I'm against propaganda films. It's not enough if you write 'true story' at the bottom as a logo. It has to really be true. And that is not true," Haasan said, reacting to the controversy surrounding "The Kerala Story".
The movie, which released on May 5, was banned by the West Bengal government, fearing tensions among communities. Theatres in Tamil Nadu had decided to stop the screening, citing the law-and-order situation and a poor audience turnout.
Last week, the Supreme Court stayed the West Bengal government's order banning the film in the state and asked Tamil Nadu to ensure the safety of the moviegoers.
"The Kerala Story" stars Adah Sharma in the lead, along with actors Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani and Siddhi Idnani. The movie has so far raised over Rs 200 crore at the domestic box office.
Haasan, 68, also lauded the box office performance of filmmaker Mani Ratnam's "Ponniyin Selvan-II".
"I'm as proud as if I have produced it. It made me so much happy that it made Mani Ratnam happy. We are working and producing the next project together," the screen icon said.
"Ponniyin Selvan-II", the second part of Ratnam's period action epic, was released in theatres on April 28 in Tamil along with the dubbed versions in Hindi, Kannada, Telugu and Malayalam.
On the possibility of a collaboration with contemporary Rajinikanth, Haasan said they are in discussions.
"We have done many films together and for us, it is not a surprise. For the newer generation, it might be a surprise. We have spoken about working together, he is the star and I'm the producer," he said.
The two legends of Indian cinema have worked together on movies such as "Apoorva Raagangal", "16 Vayathinile", "Moondru Mudichu", "Avargal" and "Uruvavugal Maralam".
Haasan, who will be honoured with the Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema honour at the IIFA award on Saturday, said "awards and rewards" are equally important in his life.
"I started off with earning Rs 250 per gig as a dance assistant. And what I'm getting now is more than the reward... If I say I don't work for rewards, that'll be a lie. If I say I don't care for awards, that is also a lie. I care for both. I can't sell my awards but I can spend my money," he said.
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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.
