Looks like the controversy around The Kerala Story isn’t going away anytime soon. This time, it’s the students of India’s most prestigious film institute — FTII — who’ve taken a strong stand.
The FTII Students’ Association has condemned the National Film Award given to The Kerala Story, calling the decision “not just disappointing but dangerous.” Their official statement, which is now being widely discussed across media and social platforms, accuses the state of rewarding communal propaganda under the garb of cinema.
“This isn’t art — this is incitement,” says FTII students
In a statement released by student representative Barsha Dasgupta, the association lashed out at the government’s move to honour The Kerala Story with Best Film and Best Director awards. Calling the film a “weapon, not a work of cinema,” she said it’s part of a larger attempt to vilify the Muslim community and demonise the state of Kerala, which has long stood as a symbol of communal harmony and progressive values.
Dasgupta didn’t mince her words:
“Cinema is not neutral. It shapes narratives. When a government-endorsed body chooses to elevate a film that spreads paranoia and misinformation against minorities, it’s not just recognising art — it’s legitimising hate.”
She even warned that such recognition isn’t harmless. According to her, it’s equivalent to scripting “future lynchings, social exclusion, and political othering.” In other words, it sends a dangerous message: “This hate is acceptable. This is the story we choose to reward.”
“We refuse to accept Islamophobia as award-worthy”
The FTII students made it clear — they want no part in an industry that glorifies bigotry or fascist ideology. “We’re being trained to create meaningful cinema, not to serve as tools for state-sponsored communalism,” their statement said.
And perhaps the strongest line came in the end:
“Giving awards to propaganda does not make it true. And we, as students and citizens, will not stop calling it what it is — incitement. Violence.”
The larger debate: Where is Indian cinema heading?
While The Kerala Story has been commercially successful and praised by many, it has also been fiercely criticised for factual inaccuracies, communal undertones, and pushing a particular ideological narrative. The National Award recognition has only added fuel to that fire.
So, is the FTII backlash just student activism — or a reflection of growing unease within the film fraternity? One thing’s clear: this isn’t just about one film. It’s about who gets to decide what stories India tells itself.
What’s your take — should films like this be celebrated? Or is the FTII raising a much-needed red flag?
Let’s talk in the comments.
