NEW DELHI: Adah Sharma’s powerful and convincing portrayal of Shalini Unnikrishnan in the film “The Kerala Story,” where she undergoes conversion and joins the ranks of ISIS, has left an indelible imprint as the prominent representation a “love jihad” victim, within the collective consciousness of middle-class Hindu households. Many are treating it as an eye-opening story, and yet others as a cautionary tale for young women. The film’s success has baffled many.
Trade Analyst Taran Adarsh says The Kerala Story succeeded because of its audacity in addressing a subject that others were reluctant to tackle. “We always knew about the functioning of the ISIS machinery, no one has displayed the courage to depict it on screen until now,” he said.
He also adds that the film’s remarkable success can be largely attributed to the authentic and nuanced portrayal of Shalini Unnikrishanan by Adah Sharma which serves as a gateway to understanding the intricate methods used to target naive young girls. “A significant factor in the film’s triumph is the lead actress, Adah Sharma, who displayed tremendous bravery in accepting the role and delivered a compelling performance that carried the film. Adah has consistently proven her competence as an actor, and this film has provided her with the breakthrough she needed,” Taran Adarsh says in an exclusive interview to The New Indian.
Psychologists dissect the success and message of The Kerala Story
The New Indian spoke to various counselling and clinical psychologists to understand why this film had such a huge impact on Indians that they continue to throng theaters to watch the film. Experts believe a mix of anxiety and curiosity around the subject of conversions by the means of romantic relationships or brainwashing by radical groups has resulted in this response.
The core of this anxiety lies not so much in the fear of radicalization and terrorism but rather in the film’s adept portrayal of the brainwashing and pressure tactics employed by organized Islamic groups and their facilitators.
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According to Dr. Aastha Dhingra, a Clinical Psychologist and Assistant Professor at SGT University, the film effectively portrays the initial steps employed in this manipulation process.
“The initial step involves inducing anxiety and a sense of lacking in one’s current reality and identity, followed by seeking a solution that provides comfort and relief. When an individual lacks a strong sense of self and lacks fundamental knowledge about their own scriptures, countering the narratives imposed upon them becomes challenging,” says Dhingra.
In her professional capacity as a psychologist, Dr. Aastha Dhingra recommends that any girl who finds herself in a similar situation of radicalization and pressure for conversion should take the initiative to independently read the Gita and the Quran and compare the texts and make up her mind. “It is important to question why only individuals of a certain religion insist on conversion while others do not. If you feel susceptible to external influence and have numerous questions, I encourage you to personally engage in the readings, rather than relying solely on religious leaders (maulvis), as their interpretations may not align with reality,” she added.
Jothi Kolathur, a Chennai-based Counseling Psychologist and Family Therapist, shares deep concerns and shock regarding the widespread nature of this phenomenon. “As a counselor and family therapist with experience in family courts, I have come across numerous cases that reflect this concerning pattern.”
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While working in her capacity as a family therapist, she came across a distressing case involving a 20-year-old pregnant girl who was pressured by her Muslim boyfriend to memorize the Quran as a condition for him to agree to marry her. Such instances of coercion are unfortunately all too common, she says.
In the recent news cycle, numerous cases of a similar nature have come to the forefront. Whether it is the Shraddha-Aaftab case or the tragic incident of a Hindu girl in Shahbad Dairy being killed by her Muslim stalker after she decided to end their relationship, these instances seem to be never-ending.
Psychologists have varying perspectives on identifying the exact reasons behind the increasing cases or reporting of cases where young Hindu women choose to defy their parents and marry Muslim men. For instance, Delhi-based practicing psychologist Shivani Prashar suggests that the girls in the film “The Kerala Story” may be undergoing a natural process of psychosexual development outlined by German American psychologist Erik Erikson’s theory known as “Erikson’s stages of development.” According to Parashar, this stage is characterized by the exploration of identity versus confusion, and it is a time when both men and women seek validation from the opposite sex.
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“Setting aside the topic of “love jihad,” it is essential to acknowledge the vulnerability of young girls from a psychological standpoint. Just like the characters in the Kerala story who have recently completed their 12th grade and ventured out of their families’ protection for the first time, girls at this age crave validation from the opposite sex. Unfortunately, this vulnerability can be exploited by certain individuals or communities, but it is not limited to them,” she says.
However, Kolathur firmly believes that this phenomenon goes beyond a mere stage of development and raises questions about its organized nature. ” It is intriguing how these Muslim boys, who come from less affluent backgrounds, seemingly acquire the resources to entice these girls with expensive phones and fancy bikes. The origin of their financial means remains a mystery.
Both Dhingra and Kolathur emphasize the importance of having knowledge about one’s own culture and traditions as a defense against the influence of brainwashing. Kolathur, drawing from her experience working with schools, highlights the contrasting upbringing provided by Hindus, which tends to be more secular and liberal, compared to minorities who exhibit a stronger connection and awareness of their culture and religion.
“I strongly urge parents to provide their children with a comprehensive education about their own culture and values. This knowledge will serve as a vital fortification against such influences. It is essential to equip young individuals with a deep understanding of their heritage while fostering an open-minded and inclusive perspective. By doing so, we can empower them to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of relationships with resilience and wisdom,” she says.
Psychologists express concern over the extreme reactions witnessed in the Jabalpur case, where a Hindu girl who chose to marry a Muslim man was not only disowned by her family but also subjected to public conduct of her last rites and the circulation of her obituary. This kind of extreme alienation further complicates the lives of these women and makes it nearly impossible for them to seek help or escape from potentially abusive relationships with individuals from another community who may have ulterior motives, they say.
“In the film, it is evident that the majority of the girls come from orthodox families, and they are immediately rejected by their parents in case they fall victim to such a relationship. In such circumstances, when someone from the outside promises care and understanding, it is natural for vulnerable girls to be enticed,” says Shivani Parashar
The key factors in protecting young girls are love, care, and acceptance from their families. “It is crucial for children to feel confident enough to confide in their parents rather than hiding their experiences. In cases where such situations arise, parents should avoid alienating or mistreating their children, resorting to abuse or violence, ” Parashar adds.
Despite the polarized response the film has garnered, it is widely agreed that the film effectively captures a central anxiety prevalent in Hindu families today, which has previously remained unarticulated in the mainstream pop culture with dignity and respect. Psychologists also concur that the film accurately portrays the brainwashing tactics and the manipulation of young girls into romantic relationships. Shalini Unnikrishan’s story serves as a cautionary tale, and the film’s release has opened up a much-needed and healthy discussion on a topic that was previously ignored or denied by society, they add.
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