Producer Vipul Shah, known for the film “The Kerala Story,” has announced a significant initiative aimed at rehabilitating 300 individuals who claim to be victims of religious conversion at an ashram. To support this cause, Shah has pledged a generous sum of Rs 51 lakh. The film itself, directed by Sudipto Sen and featuring Adah Sharma in the lead role, has sparked polarizing debates across the country, resulting in bans in some states and tax-free status in others.
Shah expressed that the primary motive behind making “The Kerala Story” was to provide support to conversion victims. The initiative, named ‘Protect The Daughters,’ marks the first step towards achieving this goal. At a press conference, Shah emphasized the team’s commitment to helping the alleged victims by creating a safe space for them at the ashram. Standing alongside the film crew were 26 individuals who claimed to have experienced conversion.
Director Sudipto Sen addressed accusations of targeting a particular community through the film, stating that the intention was not to achieve a “balancing act.” He clarified that the movie focuses on three girls who represent the suffering faced by numerous others, transcending religious boundaries. Sen maintained that every aspect of the film accurately depicts the victims’ experiences, encouraging skeptics to cross-question the alleged victims themselves.
Shah emphasized the importance of not fixating on the film’s symbolic aspects but rather on the real pain endured by the alleged victims over the years. He urged people to watch the movie in large numbers and highlighted its success at the box office, having reportedly crossed the Rs 150 crore mark.
Actress Adah Sharma commended the bravery of the women who came forward to share their stories, acknowledging the judgment they might face. One of the alleged victims, Shruti, claimed to be a victim of ideological conversion and spoke about their efforts to “de-brainwash” people and guide them back to what they deemed as the right path.
Shah further appealed to the audience, estimating that only a small fraction of the population had watched the film so far, with potentially millions resorting to pirated versions. He urged those who had seen the pirated version to become the voice of these girls and watch the film in theaters. Shah stressed that the issue of conversion is not limited to Kerala alone but is prevalent across the country, urging people to act before it’s too late.
“The Kerala Story” has sparked a significant conversation on religious conversion and has now become a catalyst for an initiative to help alleged victims find support and rehabilitation.