"The Kerala Story" has been making waves in the Indian box office since its release on May 5, 2023. Directed by Sudipto Sen and starring Adah Sharma in the lead role, the film follows the stories of three Hindu women from Kerala who were converted to Islam and trafficked to the Islamic State of Iraq & Syria (ISIS). Despite mixed reviews and several controversies, the film has been earning big at the box office.
On opening day, the movie raked in a decent collection of Rs 8.03 crore (nett) in India, despite being released alongside the much-awaited "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3." However, the real surprise came on May 7, as the film's collection doubled to an estimated Rs 16.50 crore (nett) on its third day of release. This brings the film's total collection to an impressive Rs 35.75 crore in just three days, despite many theatres cancelling its screening in Tamil Nadu & several other states.
"The Kerala Story" has registered an occupancy of 52.92 per cent on May 7, and it remains to be seen whether the film will hold its place during the weekdays. However, it's clear that the film has already broken several box office records and is on track to become a massive hit.
The film's gripping story and Adah Sharma's outstanding performance have been the main reasons for its success. "The Kerala Story" is based on real-life incidents where around 32,000 women from Kerala are trapped under this hazardous scheme. The film has been the subject of much scrutiny and controversy, with the makers even changing the trailer's description from the "story of 32,000 women" to the story of three women after legal intervention.
Despite all the controversy, "The Kerala Story" has been declared tax-free in Madhya Pradesh, and its phenomenal success is a testament to the film's gripping story and its message. The film sheds light on a dark and complex issue and raises important questions about the state of women's rights in India.
Overall, "The Kerala Story" has been an exciting and engaging addition to the Indian film industry. Its massive box office success shows that audiences are hungry for thought-provoking and meaningful stories that challenge the status quo. We can only hope that more films like this will be made in the future.