Kerala State Film Awards 2023 Controversy: CM Orders Inquiry Into Allegations Against Academy Chairman Ranjith

Kerala CM Orders Probe Into Film Awards Controversy: The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, has instructed the Culture Department to conduct an inquiry and submit a report regarding the complaint accusing Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairman Ranjith of meddling in the selection process for the Kerala State Film Awards.

The directive follows a direct complaint made by Director Vinayan to the Chief Minister. Previously, Vinayan alleged that Ranjith had intervened to prevent his film 'Pathonpatham Noottandu' from receiving an award.

Vinayan also released audio clips featuring jury members Nemom Pushparaj and Jency Gregory expressing concerns about Ranjith's influence over the award decision. Vinayan submitted these audio clips as supporting evidence along with his complaint.

Concurrently, the Movement for Independent Cinema (MIC) has voiced the opinion that Ranjith is not suitable for the role of Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, considering his alleged interference in the state film awards process for two consecutive years.

MIC contends that in the previous year, films rejected by the preliminary jury were reconsidered and awarded, suggesting favoritism. This year, it's been claimed that the jury was influenced to withhold awards for certain films. MIC is an organisation that has legally contested the presence of the Academy Secretary on the jury panel as the Member Secretary. According to MIC office-bearers, the presence of the member secretary on the jury could lead to manipulation.

Defending The Decision: Jury Chairman Addresses Allegations And Process

Yesterday, Goutam Ghose, the Jury Chairman for the Kerala State Film Awards 2023, dismissed allegations that Kerala Chalachitra Academy Chairman Ranjith played a role in determining the State Film Awards recipients.

During an interview with Asianet News, Goutam Ghose emphasised that external influences had no bearing on the award decisions, which were entirely the prerogative of the jury. He also clarified that he was unaware of the circumstances surrounding the audio clips released by director Vinayan.

Goutam Ghose further informed Asianet News that while numerous opinions were voiced at different stages of the award selection process, the final verdict was unanimously reached by the jury.