The Malayalam film industry's support for the student-led protests over NEET paper leaks continued to grow on Wednesday, as several actors, filmmakers, writers and public figures gathered at Maharaja's College in Kochi to express solidarity with the demonstrators at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The solidarity gathering was attended by actor Joju George, Mayaanadhi director Aashiq Abu, Patriot filmmaker Mahesh Narayanan, Uyare director Manu Ashokan, Lokah co-writer and actor Santhy Balachandran, rapper Baby Jean, television presenter Ranjini Haridas, writers NS Madhavan and KR Meera, among others. Actor Gouri G Kishan of 96 fame also joined the event, holding a placard that read, "Listen to peaceful voices. Democracy hears everyone."
Addressing the gathering, Joju described the present situation in the country as an "Emergency" and condemned the crackdown on students protesting against the reported irregularities in the NEET examination. "What is happening in our country now is an Emergency. I believe that a leak in the country's education system is nothing short of slow poisoning. The foundations of a frightening future are already being laid. To assault students for protesting against it, and to drag away the Leader of the Opposition as though he were nothing, this is indeed an Emergency," he said.
Praising the students leading the agitation, the Pani actor-director said their movement represented hope for the country's future. "The first applause should go to the young people of this country who responded with awareness and conviction. Youth movements have never been crushed in history. That is why this moment gives hope. I am very happy that there are still so many good people among us. We stand together, united," he added.
Speaking at the event, Ranjini described the ongoing agitation as one of the biggest protests India has witnessed and said the younger generation had emerged as the driving force behind the movement. "You are India's future. Seventy per cent of this country is made up of young people like you. Only you can bring about change. Show us the way, and we will stand with you. After visiting Jantar Mantar in person, I genuinely began to question whether democracy still exists here," she said.
The gathering comes amid an unprecedented show of support from the Malayalam film fraternity for the protests. Over the past few days, actors including Tovino Thomas, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Vismaya Mohanlal, Dulquer Salmaan, Asif Ali, Kunchacko Boban, Naslen, Nazriya Nazim, Anaswara Rajan, Murali Gopy, Amal Neerad, Rima Kallingal, Sharaf U Dheen, Shane Nigam, Rajisha Vijayan, Soubin Shahir, Divya Prabha, Indrajith Sukumaran and several others have publicly backed the students through social media posts and statements condemning the alleged police action.
The protests at Jantar Mantar have intensified in recent days following the police action during the 'Chalo Sansad' march and the removal of educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a prolonged hunger strike demanding accountability over the alleged NEET examination irregularities. Despite repeated police action and the dismantling of temporary structures at the protest site, demonstrators have continued their sit-in, drawing growing support from public figures across the country.
