Discontent within Chalachitra Academy: Director Ranjith refuses to step down from chairman’s post

Director Ranjith has been in the news for a while now because of comments he made in an interview regarding other filmmakers and artists.

Director Ranjith at IFFK | Photo: Instagram/ iffklive

Despite strong criticism, Director Ranjith has declined to resign from his position as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy. The director has been in the news for a while now because of comments he made in an interview regarding other filmmakers and artists, as well as claims that he made decisions without consulting the academy committee members.

During Ranjith's speech at the International Film Festival of Kerala's closing event, many members of the audience cooed, expressing their disapproval of the director for staying in his position as the academy's chairman.

As many as 9 out of 15 academy council members have sent a letter to the Chief Minister, State Minister of Culture Saji Cherian, and the secretary of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy. According to the letter, Ranjith should refrain from behaving in a feudal manner or be removed from his position as chairman.

Also Read: Where is political correctness in Leo or Jawan, asks director Ranjith

Statements criticising Mohanlal, Dr Biju

Ranjith criticised Mohanlal for his Thrissur dialect in the movie "Thoovanathumbikal" in an interview with The New Indian Express. The actor did, however, acknowledge that his presentation of the slang may have been a little off, but he followed director Padmarajan's instructions.

Additionally, he had made criticisms of director Dr Biju, claiming that his movies don't attract a lot of people to theatres. The latter slammed the comment, calling attention to the director's ignorance, and declared that he would not put up with Ranjith's rivalrous behaviour.

After this incident, Dr Biju resigned from the Kerala State Film Development Corporation.

Ranjith explained the incident by saying the statements were made during a cordial discussion with the media. He added, "I don't think I need to resign from this position because I spoke my opinion."

Also Read: Mohanlal reacts to Ranjith’s criticisms on his Thrissur slang in Thoovanathumbikal; real-life Jayakrishnan defends the actor

Minister’s response

Saji Cherian, the state minister of culture, stated that Ranjith ought to have refrained from using such a personal comment during the interview. He continued by saying that he had contacted those in charge to discuss and assess the differences.

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