A screening of the film ‘The Kerala Story’ at a theater in Birmingham was marred by an attempted disruption led by radical Islamists, headed by Shakeel Afsar, an anti-India activist known for advocating the freedom of Kashmir. However, the audience’s resolute stand against the unruly group prevented their efforts from succeeding, ultimately forcing them to retreat from the theater.
Eyewitness reports indicate that Shakeel Afsar and his group stormed into the theater, shouting and intimidating the audience. Despite the initial chaos, the viewers showed remarkable courage and refused to be cowed by the radical elements. Instead, they responded by raising their voices in opposition, creating an atmosphere of resilience that led to the eventual expulsion of the disruptive individuals.
Videos capturing the incident depict Shakeel Afsar and his group attempting to coerce theatergoers into leaving through harassment and intimidation.
According to reports, showings of ‘The Kerala Story’ in Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam had been canceled across 31 theaters in the United Kingdom. However, this decision has triggered widespread outrage among the Indian community residing in the country. Some social media users have voiced their concerns, alleging that the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) succumbed to pressure from specific interest groups, resulting in the movie being withheld.
Despite the obstacles faced, ‘The Kerala Story’ has achieved a remarkable milestone by crossing the Rs. 200 crore mark in box office collections. This accomplishment underscores the film’s popularity and resonates with audiences both in India and abroad.
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