THRISSUR: Minister for Cinema Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said on Thursday that the government has decided to increase the prize money for the prestigious J C Daniel Award for lifetime achievement in cinema.
A committee formed to look into this demand has submitted a proposal in this regard, and the government has in-principle accepted the proposal, he said. He was speaking after inaugurating the renovated Kairali and Sree theatres of the Kerala Film Development Corporation (KFDC) in Thrissur.
The government would also put into effect the recommendations submitted by the committee headed by Shaji N Karun and Adoor Gopalakrishnan for the comprehensive development of film sector in the state.
The demand to stop giving away the ‘best comedian’ award will be reviewed by the government, he said.
Among its various recommendations, the committee has suggested cessation of the ‘best comedian’ award, presented as part of state film awards. The committee has also suggested that the J C Daniel Award, set up on the lines of the Phalke Award at the national level, be given once in two years, instead of every year.
Steps would be taken to set up a film city at Ottappalam, and films shot in the state-owned Chitranjali studio will be given subsidy.
The government would also vet the demand for a revamp in the selection procedure of films to be considered for state awards, the Minister said. The renovation work of the Kairali-Sree theatres were carried out at a cost of Rs 2.3 crore, for three years.
As part of the work, a 2K digital projection, 7.1 digital surround sound system, silver screen, advanced air conditioning and seating arrangements were introduced. Thermabil Ramakrishnan MLA presided over the function.