Allegations of Interference in State Film Awards: Calls for Removal of Chairman

02 August 2023, 02:00 AM IST

Ranjith is not fit to continue – Nemam Pushparaj

Renjith

Thiruvananthapuram: More revelations fueling allegations of outside interference in the determination of state film awards. After director Vinayan came forward with the allegation that Ranjith, the Chairman of the Film Academy, intervened to defeat his film ‘Patthomvathaam Santhali’, Nemam Pushparaj, who was a member of the main jury and the chairman of the sub-jury, also made the same allegation. Nemam Pushparaj revealed that Ranjith tried to influence the jury. He also said that Ranjith is not qualified to continue in that position.

Vinayan released Nemam Pushparaj’s voice message on Tuesday, revealing that the majority of the jury members had come with a pre-arranged plan not to award the award to the ‘nineteenth century’. Although he accepted the majority opinion, it later caused him psychological distress. Being an art director, he could not accept that other members said that the art direction of that film was bad. No closeness or working together with Vinayan. Film Academy Chairman is a great position. A dignified, dignified and just person should be in that position. Ranjith doesn’t deserve it. Nemam Pushparaj said that Ranjith should respond in this regard.

Meanwhile, Minister Saji Cherian came forward in support of the Academy Chairman. The minister said that there was no interference in the decision of the award and Ranjith is a legend of Malayalam cinema.