Thiruvananthapuram – Sculptor Wilson Pookoi said that he was interested in completing the sculpture of actor Murali for Sangeet Natak Academy, but was denied permission to continue the construction. When the first phase was completed on clay, the academy officials could not directly assess it because it was during the Covid period. When I sent the picture of the sculpture, they said that there was no mistake and instructed to continue the construction.
Meanwhile, an unknown gang attacked and destroyed the sculpture at the studio at Erur in Ernakulam. Later, the Akademi gave a second film and the production started. When the work in clay was completed, technicians not associated with art came to inspect it.
Read also: Actor Murali’s statue becomes a puddle, but sculptor ‘just left’; 5.70 lakhs was written off
Academy chairman Nemam Pushparaj also confirmed their recommendation that there is no resemblance to Murali. 5,70,000 was received in advance for the work contracted for 19 lakhs. It was also asked to return it immediately. Wilson also said that he pleaded with the academy to avoid paying back the money citing his helpless situation as he did not even have a house of his own.
He had to spend 3 years for the sculpture of Murali after having done many sculptures like the sculpture of Asan in Kumarakodi, the sculpture of Punnapra Vayalar in Alappuzha, the sculpture of Rajakesavadasa. In the end, the only reward was defamation. Wilson also alleged that a group made a concerted effort to get the contract for the sculpture and disrupt the work.
∙ The sculpture was not accepted
The sculpture has not been brought to Sangeet Natak Academy premises. During the construction phase, those responsible went to the place where the sculpture was being made and inspected it and informed that it could not be installed as it did not look similar.’ – Karivellur Murali, Academy Secretary
∙ It is a different sculpture
“The stone statue is now in the academy premises. This is a tribute to Murali, the Ravana figure from the drama ‘Lankalakshmi’ was sculpted in granite by Shilpi Rajan. It cost the academy less than 50,000 rupees.’ – C. Ravunni, Former Secretary
English Summary: Actor Murali statue controversy
