Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that he suspected a covert understanding between Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists for sparking the controversy over the ‘Oru Adaar Love’ movie clip. In a Facebook post, Pinarayi condemned the objections raised against the ‘Manikyamalaraya poovi…’ song in the film, saying the debates taking place over the issue were not accidental. The controversy, in fact, was part of the intolerance spreading in society against artistic freedom and independent thought, he said.
Some Muslim fundamentalists have opposed the song. They have also registered a complaint at a police station in Hyderabad, alleging that the song portrays the Prophet in poor light. All this was not a mere coincidence.
The song, written by P M A Jabbar, was broadcast by All India Radio back in 1978. It was noted exponent of Mappila songs Eranjoli Moosa who gave it wide publicity.
‘Manikyamalar’ song is a regular item at Muslim houses, especially during weddings. The lyrics celebrate the divine love between Prophet Muhammed and Khadija Beevi.
Pinarayi said the controversy proves that fundamentalists of all hues are intolerant of artistic freedom. Such people cannot tolerate the enjoyment as well as knowledge people derive from artistic and literary pursuits. Art and literature are powerful tools against communalism and extremism. In such a scenario, we should support all those who are engaged in creative tasks, said the chief minister.
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Priyanka Prakash in the film, 'Oru Adaar Love'. Pinarayi Vijayan


