THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There is nothing wrong with political intervention in cinema if a film talks about controversial topics that might hurt the feelings of a vast section of the public, said Tamil actor/director Cheran.
He was reacting to the Tamil Nadu Govt’s ban on Sohan Roy’s film ‘Dam 999’ after inaugurating the commercial production of chapatis at Poojappura Central Prison here on Monday. Cheran further said that it was up to the leaders of Kerala and Tamil Nadu to come up with an amicable solution to the Mullaperiyar issue. The actor is currently shooting at the prison for his latest film ‘Moondru Per Moondru Kathal’, directed by S M Vasanth. Mollywood actress Muktha, who plays the female lead in the movie, was also present.Earlier, Prisons Additional Director General of Police Alexander Jacob said in his keynote address that unlike in the past, prisons had become a revenue generating department with a number of ventures being started inside prisons by roping in the inmates.
During the past two years, the department could contribute about Rs 2.60 crore to the state exchequer. The aggregate contribution is expected to reach Rs 4 crore at the end of this year. In the next three years, the department plans to reach the Rs 10-crore mark in its contribution to the exchequer.
The latest venture of producing chapatis on a commercial basis is part of the Prisons Department’s humble efforts in helping city dwellers affected by price rise. Restaurants and other packeted food service providers charge up to Rs 6 per chapati these days, whereas the ones produced in the prison’s kitchen costs only Rs 2. This would be a relief to a large section of people who regularly eat outside, he said. The ADGP also said that there are plans to start the commercial production of bread and other bakery products in the prison soon.