Acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Dr Biju has issued a strongly worded statement on social media, criticising Ranjith Balakrishnan, revisiting a past exchange between the two while also reflecting on questions of artistic integrity and accountability. In his statement, Dr Biju recalled that during his tenure as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, Ranjith had advised him in an interview to reflect on his “relevance”. “During his time as chairman, he advised me to think about my ‘relevance’. I responded to that with a detailed letter,” he said.
Asserting his own standing in cinema, Dr Biju added, “I am fully aware of my relevance, both then and now, as a filmmaker whose works have consistently been part of international film festivals.” He noted that his films, across different periods of his career, have been recognised on global platforms. Turning to the present, he sharply criticised the filmmaker’s situation. “The degeneration that Ranjith has reached today is significant. It is something no artist should practise,” he said, stressing that “the integrity of an artist is extremely important.”
Dr Biju also referred to what he described as misogynistic elements in Ranjith’s films. “We have seen misogyny in the dialogues of many of his films. It is frightening that those are being practised in real life as well,” he said.
In a pointed remark, Dr Biju suggested that Ranjith watch his English-language film Painting Life. “When Ranjith finds time, he should watch a film written and directed by me, Painting Life,” he said, explaining that the film follows a mainstream filmmaker whose worldview changes after being stranded in a remote Himalayan village. “Elaborating on its theme, he said, “The film is about a director whose understanding of life and people changes when he is cut off from his usual world,” adding that a woman character in the narrative reshapes the protagonist’s outlook. “A woman in the story gives the director a new outlook on life, people, the world, art, society and politics,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Dr Biju expressed hope that the film might prompt introspection. “Perhaps the film may help in making you a better human being. It may also help, even if slightly, in changing your perspective towards women,” he said, adding that it could also help in understanding “what the relevance of cinema and art is.”
The statement comes amid heightened scrutiny surrounding Ranjith, who is currently facing a sexual harassment case and has been remanded to judicial custody, with investigations ongoing.