Kerala Files Review: “Kerala Story” is a thought-provoking movie that takes the viewers on an emotional journey through the life of a young woman named Adah Sharma as Shalini Unnikrishnan / Fatima Ba. Set in the backdrop of the ISIS occupation of Syria, the movie highlights the turmoil of illegal female immigrants, who shows feeling uneasy in Afghanistan, after witnessing the condition of females there, where they are subjected to mass killing, mob rapes, etc.
Kerala Files Director: Directed by Sudipto Sen, the film also stars Yogita Bihani as Nimah and Sonia Balani as Asifa, the other 2 characters, who are getting subjected to mass conversion by a group, that is exporting to Kerala women for religious propagation. The story follows Shalini (as Adah Sharma), who is trying to find her place in a foreign country while struggling to get back to normal (back to India). Through Shalini’s journey, the movie explores the themes of forced conversion, terrorism, societal expectations, and the challenges faced by women in war-torn countries, where they were struggling with fear of getting raped or getting publicly executed by religious sects.
Keral Files Star cast: One of the highlights of the movie is Adah Sharma’s powerhouse performance as Fatima Ba, after coming to a foreign country., where she witnessed how women are subjected to ill-treatment like she is facing in the movie, regretting her mother’s love for her. She portrays the character’s emotional turmoil and inner conflicts with great finesse, making the viewers empathize with her struggles. The supporting cast also does an excellent job of bringing their characters to life and adding to the movie’s overall impact. The cinematography by Prasantanu Mohapatra is breathtaking, and he does a fantastic job of capturing the issues with a serious tone. The music of Viresh Sreevalsa and Bishakh Jyoti is soulful and elevates the story’s emotional depth.
Kerala Files Release date: The narrative of the movie is slow-paced, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, it is this unhurried pace that allows the story to unfold naturally, and the viewers get to experience Meera’s journey more organically. The movie does not shy away from addressing sensitive issues and delivers its message in a subtle yet impactful manner. Overall, “Kerala Story” is a must-watch for those who appreciate good storytelling and powerful performances. The movie will leave you with a sense of introspection and a newfound appreciation for what was happening during the Syrian crisis in Kerala.
