Director TG Vinayan alleges external intervention in Kerala State Film Awards selection

Malayalam director TG Vinayan has alleged that his film Pathonpatham Noottandu (The 19th Century) was unjustly disregarded by the jury of Kerala State Awards due to external influence. In his claim, he questioned the selection process of the government-instituted state film awards.

3 things you need to know

• The Kerala State Film Awards took place on July 21.
• Nna Thaan Case Kodu won seven awards, the maximum.
• Mammootty won the Best Actor award.

Vinayan levels serious allegations

Vinayan has levelled serious allegations against the Film Academy Chairman Ranjith Balakrishnan accusing him of influencing the jury of The Kerala State Film Awards to not allow his film Pathombadam Nootandu (The 19th Century) get a nomination. To note, Balakrishnan holds a government-designated position within the industry.

As proof, Vinayan released an audio tape of sub-jury chairman and member of the main jury Nemom Pushparaj that seemed to second his claims of a certain intervention. "Ranjith is in no position to be the chairman," commented the jury member on the leaked tape. Pushparaj is also heard saying that there was a “pre-planned consensus” to not give any recognition to Vinayan’s film.

“I couldn't agree with the view that the art direction of the film was horrible, however, the majority of the jury members thought so. I relented to the majority verdict," he stated. "I felt this was an injustice. I lost my sleep over this. I have no association with Vinayan, I do not know who the art director of the movie is, but it is unfortunate," Pushparaj added.

He also stated that Ranjith is answerable to the controversy. "A person who should sit in that seat must be a beacon of justice. He is not fit to be the chairman of Kerala Chalachitra Academy," he said.

Kerala Minister defends Ranjith

Despite the audio leak, Ranjith has maintained a stoic silence. Meanwhile, Kerala Minister for Fisheries, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan, defended the chairman. Describing Ranjith as a legend and a gentleman, he ruled out any possibility of review of the award.

(Saji Cheriyan | Image: PTI)

According to Cheriyan, Ranjith did not have any influence on the award selection process. The awards were given to those who deserved them, and there is no need to revisit the matter. Defending that an eminent jury selected the award winners, he supported Ranjith by stating he could never influence the jury.

"Do you think anyone would argue against Mammootty receiving the best actor award? Other awards were given to deserving artists in different categories. All of them are incredibly talented, and their performances were evaluated to determine the winners," he explained while defending the decision.

He also advised those with complaints to move legally if they are aggrieved.

Another audio gets released

Twelve hours after Cherian made the comment, Vinayan posted a second audio tape with another jury member Jensy Gregory. She alleged that Ranjith interfered during the selection of the Best Music award.

"Ranjith used to openly tell me some of the songs written by renowned composers as garbage," she is heard talking on the audio. "I don't think it's the chairman's job to tell me to listen to one particular song many times or keep recommending a particular song," she is heard saying.

"Although he tried, I don't think the songs I selected finally were a result of his pressure. I selected impartially. I came to know that he tried to do this only with me,"

Citing the audio, Vinayan wrote on the page that it highlights the possibility of interference with the award decision. "It is clear that the chairman of the academy violated the rules and interfered with the jury in an unprecedented manner. This is the problem that needs to be addressed, and we should not deviate from it," he said.