Veteran Malayalam filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s statements on the second and final day of the Kerala Film Policy Conclave in Thiruvananthapuram sparked widespread condemnation from fellow delegates, following controversial comments targeting women and Dalit filmmakers. His remarks drew an immediate response from Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian, who publicly countered several of Adoor’s assertions during the same session.
Speaking at the government-organised conclave aimed at shaping a comprehensive state film policy, Adoor criticised recent funding decisions by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy and other cultural bodies. He argued that Dalit filmmakers should not be handed large grants “merely on the basis of their identity” and must first “undergo rigorous training” before being allowed to make films.
“The government is providing Rs 1.5 crore for filmmakers from the SC/ST communities to make films. I told the Chief Minister that the government is paving the way for corruption through this, but nothing has changed,” he said. “The intent behind the project is good, but they should be given at least three months of intensive training to make films. All the filmmakers who have made films under this project have complaints about it. They should be made aware that these are public funds. The amount should be reduced to Rs 50 lakh. This money is not meant to make commercial films.” He also suggested the same amount could be divided among three applicants.
Regarding the State’s project for women filmmakers, Adoor remarked that “just because one is a woman, the government should not be giving money to make films.” He said that women should also be provided with training and made aware of the challenges involved in filmmaking. “Filmmaking is not charity,” he said, adding that identity-based preferences were damaging public institutions. Saji Cherian, speaking after Adoor at the event, disagreed with his views and stated that even Rs 1.5 crore was insufficient to make quality films in the current climate, pointing out that most filmmakers supported by the project have struggled due to inadequate funding.
Adoor also launched a scathing attack on the 2023 student protest at the K R Narayanan National Institute of Visual Science and Arts, which demanded the resignation of then director Shankar Mohan over allegations of caste discrimination. The protest had also prompted Adoor’s resignation as chairperson of the institute. He termed it a “disgraceful agitation” that had “destroyed the institute” under the pretext of opposing disciplinary action. He claimed the institute was primed for take-off during his tenure, but lamented that “no one knows the state of the institute now.” Countering this, Saji Cherian said the institution was functioning effectively and continued to work towards its goals despite the challenges.
Many viewed Vidheyan filmmaker’s remarks as antithetical to the spirit of the conclave, which had, on its first day, seen strong calls for inclusivity, safety, and equitable representation within the industry. Delegates pointed to the work of contemporary filmmakers from marginalised backgrounds as evidence of the creative and critical potential that exists outside the mainstream. Despite criticism from the floor, Adoor continued his address, reiterating that public funding should be restricted to quality cinema and not spent on films with commercial ambitions or superstar casts. He also criticised television, claiming it had “lost all artistic merit”.
The remarks have since prompted widespread outrage across the Malayalam film community, with many calling for a formal response from the organisers.
