Speaking to the media after watching the film in Panjim on Friday night, Sawant said, “The actual story of how ISIS, a terrorist organization, is involved in conversions and terrorist activities worldwide…in Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan and other countries including some parts of India…that actual story has been depicted in the film. I recommend that youngsters and their parents watch the film to know the reality and be alert about such issues. It is the need of the hour to stop terrorism. Young children are being brainwashed and trapped. People should watch the film even if its not tax free,” he said.

‘The Kerala Story’, the controversial film which has polarised the political discourse, has been made tax-free in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Earlier this week, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had ordered an immediate ban on its screening.

The film, which has been accused by non-BJP parties of spreading falsehoods regarding conversion of women to Islam in Kerala and their migration abroad to join the ISIS, has run into problems in Tamil Nadu also, where the Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners’ Association withdrew it from multiplexes.