Thiruvanathapuram, Dec. 16 -- Controversy has erupted at the ongoing 12th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) after the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has refused screening permission for several films, leading to the cancellation of multiple screenings in Thiruvananthapuram.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the situation as "most unfortunate." Taking to X, he wrote, "It is most unfortunate that an unseemly controversy has arisen over the central government's denial of clearance to 19 films which were scheduled to be screened at the International Film Festival of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram."

Tharoor said that while the original list of films was much longer, several clearances were obtained ...