KOCHI: To stand or not to stand?
That is the question that has divided the film fraternity, after the government decision made the rendition of the National Anthem mandatory at cinema theatres before screening of a movie.
On Tuesday, office-bearers of the Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA), which favours the decision, attacked Kerala State Chalachithra Academy (KSCA) chairman Kamal, accusing him of helping a relatively unknown Kodungallur-based film society to approach the Supreme Court against the decision. Kamal is continuing as president of Film Employees Federation Of Kerala (FEFKA) despite his appointment as KSCA chairman.
“Kamal is a Kodungallur-native. It may be noted that it was a lesser-known film society in Kodungallur, which approached the apex court against the decision. Who facilitated them? It should be probed,” said MACTA general secretary Baiju Kottarakkara in a press conference here.
He also alleged that Kamal held a grudge against director Vinayan, MACTA’s founder-president, and claimed that family members of the late actor Kalabhavan Mani were not invited to the special function organised in connection with the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) because Mani was Dalit. “Similarly, when the National Film Festival Committee asked for a print of the Kalabhavan Mani-starrer ‘Vasanthiyum
Lakshmiyum Pinne Njanum’ for screening at the Goan Film Festival this year in his memory, Kamal sent it without informing either Vinayan, the film’s director, or its producer. Moreover, Kamal assured that the film would be screened at IFFK. However, the low-quality movie ‘Ayirathil Oruvan’ was screened at the IFFK,”
Baiju alleged.
“Kamal is taking cheap revenge, while holding the prestigious position of KSCA chairman. His act will surely bring disgrace to the state government,” he said.