Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 4: Acclaimed filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has come under fire for his recent remarks on government funding for SC/ST and women filmmakers, sparking a wave of mixed reactions, political commentary, and a formal police complaint in Kerala.
The controversy erupted during the Kerala Film Policy Conclave on Sunday, where Gopalakrishnan raised concerns over the allocation of Rs 1.5 crore to first-time filmmakers from SC/ST communities and women. He cautioned that such substantial funding without proper training could lead to misuse and called for at least three months of training for new entrants.
Activist Dinu Weyil responded by lodging a police complaint, demanding action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He alleged that Gopalakrishnan’s statements were derogatory and suggested that individuals from these communities are inherently corrupt.
“He implied that SC/ST filmmakers are thieves, which is an offensive generalisation,” Weyil said.
In his defense, Gopalakrishnan clarified that his comments were rooted in practical concerns, not prejudice. “I have never made a film costing Rs 1.5 crore. For newcomers, it’s a large amount. I suggested distributing the same fund among multiple filmmakers to promote better outcomes,” he explained, adding that he spoke from six decades of experience in the industry.
The state’s political reactions were divided. Higher Education Minister Dr R. Bindhu criticized the filmmaker’s remarks as “unnecessary,” stressing the government’s duty to uplift underrepresented communities.
On the other hand, Ports and Cooperation Minister V. N. Vasavan defended Gopalakrishnan, saying the comments were likely misunderstood and misrepresented by the media.
Police officials confirmed that the complaint filed by Weyil is under review. Further steps will be taken based on legal scrutiny and investigation.
The issue continues to stir intense debate across the cultural and political landscape of Kerala.
