In ‘The Kerala Story’, the writing by Suryapal Singh, Sudipto Sen, and Vipul Amrutlal Shah has attracted criticism for its flawed outlook. While the story offers thrills, its focus on the ills of one religion without presenting any positive characters from that background raises concerns. A more balanced portrayal would have included Muslim characters who stood against heinous crimes within their community.
Flawed Religious Portrayal:
The writers’ approach lacks balance, emphasizing the negative aspects of one particular religion without showcasing any positive characters from that background. By solely portraying Muslims in a negative light, the narrative fails to reflect the truth that not all individuals from a specific religion possess such a mindset.
Sudipto Sen’s Gripping Direction:
Sudipto Sen’s direction brings a thrilling element to the story, which was initially perceived as a real-life drama. The depiction of Adah Sharma’s character going through brainwashing, her escape from captivity, and her interaction with the police is engaging and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Sen’s decision to shoot in real locations adds authenticity and enhances the storytelling.
Prasantanu Mohapatra’s Captivating Cinematography:
Prasantanu Mohapatra’s cinematography deserves praise for capturing the essence of the story. The use of overhead drone shots and the depiction of exotic Middle Eastern locations give the film a Hollywood-like touch. Mohapatra’s work immerses viewers, blurring the line between Bollywood and Western cinema.
Skillful Editing by Sanjay Sharma:
Sanjay Sharma’s editing is commendable, effectively presenting the narrative in a back-and-forth manner that keeps viewers intrigued in each timeline. Additionally, condensing such a vast story into a runtime of just two and a half hours is a notable accomplishment.
Viresh Sreevalsa and Bishakh Jyoti’s Decent Music and Background Score:
Viresh Sreevalsa and Bishakh Jyoti’s music and background score provide a decent accompaniment to the film. While the background score adds necessary tension to the narrative, the placement of songs in romantic sequences feels out of place, especially when the songs themselves lack memorability.
Conclusion:
Despite its thrilling nature, ‘The Kerala Story’ falls short due to its flawed religious portrayal. While Sudipto Sen’s direction, Prasantanu Mohapatra’s cinematography, and Sanjay Sharma’s editing contribute positively, the lack of balance in character portrayal raises concerns. Additionally, the placement of songs within the narrative could have been more appropriate. The film serves as a reminder of the importance of balanced storytelling and nuanced representation.
