Adoor Gopalakrishnan Criticizes State Film Grants and Television Quality

Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan critiqued the Kerala State Film Development Corporation's practice of providing Rs 1.5 crore to filmmakers from marginalised sections, arguing that it hasn't yielded the desired results. Speaking at a recent film conclave, he insisted on necessary training for filmmakers prior to fund allocation, emphasizing the public nature of these resources.

Gopalakrishnan proposed redistributing the funds: three filmmakers could receive Rs 50 lakh each to foster meaningful cinema. His remarks sparked protests from the audience, although delegates on stage managed to placate the situation. He also called the students' protest at the K R Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts an "ugly strike," which stunted the institution's progress amidst accusations of caste discrimination against the former director, Shankar Mohan.

Furthermore, Gopalakrishnan criticized the state's television industry, claiming channels were in a race to the bottom, producing nightmares for viewers. However, his statements on marginalised filmmakers were challenged by Dalit writer and activist Sunny M Kapikad, who said they reflected a privileged class consciousness and perpetuated caste hierarchy.

(With inputs from agencies.)