'Jury insulted Indian cinema': Kerala CM condemns National Film Awards over 'The Kerala Story' win

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has criticised the decision to select the controversial film The Kerala Story for the best director award at the 71st national film awards announced on Friday.

"By selecting a film that tried to trigger communalism and cause insult to Kerala, the jury has insulted the Indian cinema that stood for national integrity and communal harmony," Vijayan said in a statement.

He called for strong protest against use of art for spreading communal agenda.

The film's director Sudipto Sen was adjudged as the best director.

The film invited strong protest from Kerala during its release in 2023 after its teaser stated that '32,000 women' from Kerala were converted and joined a terrorist organisation.