The Kerala Story on OTT: Digital partner and streaming date fixed for Adah Sharma’s film?

Last Friday (May 5), a film with Adah Sharma in the lead, The Kerala Story, opened in theatres. The Sudipto Sen directorial, which is allegedly based on true-life incidents of religious indoctrination, conversion and radicalisation of girls from the southern state and then trafficked as terrorists, has divided audiences, with some lauding the team for presenting ‘facts’, while others are calling it nothing but propaganda. The box office reception has been fairly positive, although there have been calls for the film’s release to be stayed.

Throughout all the furore, the team has been stead fast claiming that they have made a sensible film depicting true events and that any debate could be had after the film’s release. The team was thrilled that prime minister Narendra Modi endorsed the film.

Read our review: The Kerala Story review: How to bury the truth under propaganda 

The makers had earlier run into trouble when the official description of the film on social media stated that the film was based on the heart-breaking and gut-wrenching stories of 32,000 females in Kerala. When they were then asked to substantiate this with proof, 32,000 became only 3 eventually. However, portions in the film still claim that girls numbering in the thousands have been missing from the state.

While the team had not announced a streaming partner during the release, reports now suggest that they have finalized a deal. According to reports, Zee Network has snapped up the streaming rights and while an official announcement is awaited, it is being said that the film will drop on the platform shortly after the 60-day from release deadline. A tentative date has been set as July 7 for its streaming premiere. We will keep you updated as and when this is confirmed.