‘The Kerala Story’ row: Shatrughan Sinha backs Mamata Banerjee’s decision; says ‘if film poses threat…’

Veteran actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha addressed the controversy surrounding Sudipto Sen’s film ‘The Kerala Story’ in a recent interview. Backing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to ban the film in the state, he said that he hasn’t watched the Adah Sharma starrer yet, but if the film poses a threat to law and order, he will bend his rule about supporting freedom of speech.

Speaking with The Times of India, Shatrughan Sinha he has always been a firm believer in the freedom of expression, ‘but not at the cost of a state’s law and order’. He said that if a film poses such a threat, then freedom of expression should be ‘curbed’.

He further described Mamata as a ‘far-sighted leader’ and said that if she has imposed a ban on the film, she must have a valid reason.

‘The Kerala Story’ has been embroiled in controversy ever since the release of its trailer. The movie initially claimed that 32,000 women from Kerala had gone missing and joined the terrorist group ISIS. However, after facing protests, the figure in the trailer was withdrawn and changed to a story of three women from Kerala.

Mamata Banerjee’s West Bengal government has banned the film, while the film has been declared tax-free in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana.

‘The Kerala Story’ has made Rs 68 crore in India within six days of its release.

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