Guwahati, May 11: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently watched the movie “The Kerala Story” and recommended it to everyone, particularly fathers with daughters. The film, directed by Nithin Anil, is a social drama that revolves around the theme of women’s safety and empowerment.
“The Kerala Story” sheds light on the increasing incidents of crimes against women and the patriarchal mindset that perpetuates such violence. It showcases the journey of a father who is forced to confront his own biases and prejudices when his daughter becomes a victim of sexual assault.
Today I went to see the #KeralaStory along with my Cabinet colleagues. Everyone should see this film with their daughter, it is my humble request. pic.twitter.com/5mzHkVHeDs
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 11, 2023
The film features actors Indrajith Sukumaran and Sreejith Ravi in pivotal roles and has been praised for its sensitive handling of the issue of sexual violence against women.
Chief Minister Sarma’s recommendation of the film comes at a time when the issue of women’s safety has been at the forefront in the wake of several high-profile cases of sexual assault and violence against women in India.
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Kerala, where the film is set, has also been in the news for such incidents in recent times. In April 2021, a woman was allegedly gang-raped and murdered in the state, which sparked widespread protests and demands for justice.
In this context, “The Kerala Story” serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need for societal change and the importance of addressing gender-based violence. The film challenges patriarchal norms and the prevalent victim-blaming mentality, highlighting the need for collective responsibility in ensuring women’s safety and rights.
The Assam Chief Minister’s recommendation of the film also underscores the role of art and culture in shaping public discourse and creating awareness about social issues. Cinema, as a powerful medium of storytelling, has the potential to inspire empathy and understanding and to ignite conversations and debates.
“The Kerala Story” is a poignant and thought-provoking film that raises important questions about women’s safety and empowerment. Its message is particularly relevant in the current context, where there is a pressing need to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and discrimination.
