`I have no shame`: Adah Sharma on The Kerala Story`s being criticised

The Kerala Story, which bagged two recognitions at the recently announced 71st National Film Awards, has been subjected to a lot of flak and criticism from industry stalwarts as well as the audience. Now, actor Adah Sharma, who headlined the film, has made a strong statement defending the film and its message. She said, it is her "responsibility" to give voice to the victims` stories through the film based on real-life incidents.

Adah Sharma reveals being nervous

In an exclusive conversation with Hindustan Times, the actor got candid about the film and its controversial reception. Adah revealed, “Everyone is allowed to have their opinion. I think it would have been shameful not to make this film. I have met 25 girls who went through the horrors. The film is a diluted version of what they went through.”

For the unversed, the film sparked nationwide conversations upon its release. The film was based on real accounts of young women who were allegedly trafficked, radicalised, and forced into terrorist organisations. Adah played one such victim in the film, which she believes came with a deep sense of moral responsibility. She further added, "I was very nervous for them to watch the film," she shared, “but thankfully, they loved it. After meeting those girls, I felt it was my responsibility to tell their story.”

Adah Sharma addressed the criticism

Adah emphasised that the film spoke the truth, saying, “If telling the truth is being shameful, then I don’t mind being shameless. I have no shame in saying I am anti-terrorism. People who are calling it shameful—I think it has hit a nerve, and I don’t think nerves are hit by lies.”

Addressing the criticisms which labelled the film as “politically motivated,” following its winning National Awards, the actress further said, “There is no mention of any political leader or party. For me, it has been a story of girls who are trafficked, brainwashed, and taken to become terrorists. I stand with these girls. If that is political, then so be it.” Her statement comes amid debates over the film`s themes and its place in India’s socio-political discourse. Despite divided public opinion, Adah remains unwavered: “I can’t see it in any other way. I have to stand with the truth.”