Multiplexes in Tamil Nadu have stopped that the screenings of the recently-released film, The Kerala Story, in the state. The Tamil Nadu Multiplex Association cited potential law and order issues considering today is a Sunday and theatres will witness a huge audience turnout, while also mentioning that there has been a lack of reception from the general public for the Hindi film. The Kerala Story opened earlier this week amidst a huge controversy, with various political parties in Tamil Nadu voicing out their opposition, including the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) staging a protest in Chennai against the release of the film on Saturday.
The Naam Tamilar Katchi cadres organized a protest lead by actor and filmmaker Seeman at the Chennai Anna Nagar Arch near the Skywalk Mall where The Kerala Story has been released. They raised slogans and held placards, with the politician stating that they would resort to damaging the screens and theatres if a ban is not enforced against the film. Furthermore, Seeman urged theatre owners to not screen The Kerala Story in their cinema halls, while also requesting people to not watch the film. Earlier on Thursday, two popular theatres in Kochi - PVR Cinemas in Lulu Mall and Oberon Mall, and Cinepolis in Centre Square Mall - stopped the film's screening, with no reasons given behind the decision.
Meanwhile, The Kerala Story directed by Sudipto Sen and produced under the Sunshine Pictures was declared tax-free in the BJP-ruled state of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. The film starring Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani in the lead roles is now the fifth film in three years to have been declared tax-free in Madhya Pradesh, while several petitions seeking a stay on its release have already been rejected by the Kerala and Madras High Courts. The Supreme Court too had refused to entertain a plea against The Kerala Story.
