Film director Adoor Gopalakrishnan's offensive comments regarding SC/ST filmmakers and women stirs uproar, complaint lodged
In the bustling cultural landscape of Kerala, a controversy has arisen surrounding veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan's comments at the Kerala Film Policy Conclave. His remarks, critical of a government scheme that funds films by women and Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) filmmakers, have sparked a heated debate.
Adoor's criticism centred around the idea that the selected filmmakers were "untrained" and "unequipped," and he suggested that the grants were excessive and potentially misused. He argued that the funds were intended for making "good cinema" rather than commercial films or films by star actors[1][2].
However, his remarks have not gone unchallenged. Dalit activist and research scholar Dinu Veyil filed a complaint against Adoor with the Museum police station in Thiruvananthapuram and the Kerala SC/ST Commission, alleging that his comments promoted ill will against Dalits, thereby violating the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act[1][2].
The controversy has not been without its fallout. Police security has been tightened around Adoor's residence in Thiruvananthapuram, and several SC/ST organizations have reportedly called for protests against his controversial statements[3].
Notably, singer Pushpavathy Poypadathu, who currently serves as the vice chairperson of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, expressed her dismay at Adoor's remarks. She claimed to be the only one at the event to speak up against his comments, stating that Adoor's outlook ignores the historical injustices faced by their communities. Poypadathy labelled Adoor's words as "anti-progressive"[4].
In a turn of events, the Kerala Police, after reviewing the speech and obtaining legal advice, decided not to proceed with any legal action against Adoor Gopalakrishnan. The assistant public prosecutor concluded that his remarks did not amount to a criminal offence under any relevant laws, including the SC/ST Act[3][4].
The controversy has highlighted tensions around government support for marginalized filmmakers and debates on artistic rigor and inclusion. Women’s groups, including the Women in Cinema Collective, have also submitted complaints to the Kerala Women’s Commission related to Adoor's remarks[3][4].
In the midst of this, Adoor has clarified that his comments were about accountability and proper use of public funds, not targeting any specific community[3]. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between artistic freedom and social responsibility in the realm of cinema.
[1]: Source 1 [2]: Source 2 [3]: Source 3 [4]: Source 4 [5]: Source 5 (Optional, if available)
- The controversy over veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan's comments at the Kerala Film Policy Conclave has sparked debates on artistic rigor and inclusion, particularly surrounding government support for marginalized filmmakers.
- Dalit activist and research scholar Dinu Veyil filed a complaint against Adoor, alleging that his comments promoted ill will against Dalits, potentially violating the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
- However, the Kerala Police decided not to proceed with any legal action against Adoor, stating that his remarks did not amount to a criminal offence under any relevant laws, including the SC/ST Act.
- Women’s groups, including the Women in Cinema Collective, have also submitted complaints to the Kerala Women’s Commission related to Adoor's remarks, accentuating the tension around the issue.
