The Kerala Story vs 2018: Which is the real Kerala story? Movie buffs get into comparison mode

Sudipto Sen's The Kerala Story has been facing severe backlash from a large section of population across the country. The teaser, which features Adah Sharma as Shalini Unnikrishnan aka Fathima, claimed that at least 32,000 women from Kerala had joined the terrorist organisation, The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Many had called out the film for its unverified claims and the makers had to tweak the trailer to 'story of three young women from Kerala'. Court cases were fought against the film's claims and calls for ban grew louder ahead of the release.

Check out the film's trailer and some of the tweets below

Also Read: The Kerala Story: Tamil Nadu multiplexes stop screening of Sudipto Sen and Adah Sharma's controversial film 

But despite all the resentment and resistance, The Kerala Story, hit screens on May 5, and has been receiving mixed reviews from the audience. While many have called the Adah Sharma film a Sanghi propaganda, the film has opened to packed shows in the northern part of the country. Many have urged movie buffs to watch the film as it is a call to 'save one's daughters and sisters'. However, the film hasn't been received kindly down south, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Shows across the states are being cancelled one after the other.

Also Read: 2018 box office: Tovino Thomas starrer emerges as blockbuster 

In the meantime, 2018, a survival thriller directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, which released on the same date, has quietly taken the box office by storm. The film revolves around the 2018 floods which led to the loss of many lives and property, and how the entire state of Kerala came together to face the disaster with courage and lent a helping hand to each other. Movie buffs are already calling it, 'The Real Kerala Story'. The film has an ensemble cast which includes Tovino Thomas, Kunchako Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Aparna Balamurali, Lal, Indrans, Sudheesh, Kalaiyarasan, Narain, Aju Varghese, Sshivada Nair, Tanvi Ram, and Gauthami Nair.

Sample some of the tweets below

Movie buffs are lauding the film for the Herculean effort, in terms of performances, direction, cinematography, editing, music, to name a few. The film has been receiving fantastic reviews from the critics and audience and it looks like 'The Real Kerala Story' is winning hearts and soaking in all the love.