Actor-turned-politician and National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) chairman G Krishna Kumar has stirred fresh debate over power centres in Malayalam cinema, saying the much-discussed "Mattancherry lobby" does exist in the industry. Speaking on Express Dialogues of The New Indian Express, Krishna Kumar reflected on his decades-long journey in cinema and politics while discussing the networks and influence that shape the Malayalam film industry.
Responding to a question about his own struggles as an actor, Krishna Kumar said success in cinema is influenced by more than talent. "I consider everything to be a matter of luck. There was a time Hindi cinema was ruled by a Khan Market culture. Something similar exists here too. There are political reasons, religious reasons and many other factors. There are many things in cinema that people don't see. People talk about the 'Mattancherry lobby'. If you ask me, yes, it's there," he said.
Krishna Kumar went on to argue that the issue extends beyond cinema, claiming that politics and religion also played a role in the recent Cockroach Janata Party-led student protests at Maharaja's College. "Take the recent CJP protest held at Maharaja's College. It was evident that politics and religion were all involved. There were communists present and Congress workers too. People often accuse the BJP alone of being communal. But no political party here has survived without engaging with caste and community equations," he said.
The actor later expanded on the idea of organised groups within Malayalam cinema when asked about the alleged "power group" mentioned in the Justice Hema Committee report. "It isn't just in Malayalam cinema. People who cannot stand alone unite. It brings strength. That organising can happen based on political ideology, religious ideology or various other lines of thought. So, naturally, power groups will emerge. I don't see anything wrong with that," he said.
Krishna Kumar added that such groups often function from behind the scenes. "Often, those who create groups don't come to the forefront. They push others forward. Power groups exist everywhere. It's a natural phenomenon. We should counter it by organising, as complaining achieves nothing."
The "Mattancherry lobby" has been a contentious phrase in Malayalam cinema for several years, often used by critics and sections of social media to describe an alleged network of Kochi-based filmmakers and technicians. Several filmmakers, including Aashiq Abu, have previously rejected the label, with Aashiq alleging that the term was popularised by Sangh Parivar circles during the anti-CAA protests and saying he would pursue legal action against its use.
Krishna Kumar, who assumed charge as NFDC chairman in April this year, made the remarks during a wide-ranging conversation that also touched upon the National Film Awards, the Justice Hema Committee report, BJP's prospects in Kerala, and his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
