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Kerala State Film Awards 2023 Controversy: Jury Chairman Goutam Ghose Clears Ranjith, Denies Vinayan's Claims
Jury Chairman Denies Allegations Of External Influence In Kerala State Film Awards: Goutam Ghose, the Jury Chairman for the Kerala State Film Awards 2023, has 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.
Earlier, director Vinayan had made public an audio clip featuring Nemom Pushparaj, a member of the final jury and the chairman of the preliminary jury responsible for choosing the Kerala state film award winners.
In the clip, Nemom Pushparaj claimed that external pressures led the jury to oppose granting an award to the movie 'Pathonpatham Noottandu,' directed by Vinayan. The audio also criticised Ranjith's suitability as Chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy.
Controversy Deepens With Culture Minister's Defense And AIYF's Concerns
Following the ensuing controversy, Culture Minister Saji Cherian came forward to defend Ranjith, asserting that the Academy's Chairman had no role in award determinations and could not intervene.
Simultaneously, the AIYF (All India Youth Federation) voiced serious concerns about the allegations against Ranjith, branding his approach as feudalistic. The AIYF criticised his conduct and urged the government to initiate an investigation, recommending his removal from his position if found guilty.
Adding to the fray, director Vinayan released another voice recording, this time featuring jury member and playback singer Jency Gregory. In the audio, Jency Gregory alleged that Ranjith had interfered in the selection of the Best Music Award recipient.
