

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has decided to increase the financial assistance allocated to pulikkali troupes to Rs 1 lakh from this year. Speaking to the media, Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh said the government is committed to protecting pulikkali and ensuring the welfare of performers.
“Pulikkali is a world-class art form that requires days of training and immense dedication. The Culture and Tourism departments will take necessary steps to preserve the traditional art form and support its artists,” he said.
On the body shaming controversy, he said that there was no need to body-shame or insult any art form or its artists. “We need to respect the performers and their dedication,” he said.
Vishnunadh condemns cyber attack on ‘Misa’ play
Vishnunadh strongly backed the artists of the controversial play ‘Misa’. He stated that the government is firm on protecting artistic freedom of expression. Dismissing allegations of obscenity, the minister clarified that the performance strictly aligned with the artistic demands of the play’s historical theme.
Condemning the cyber attacks directed at the theatre group, the minister said a democratic society cannot tolerate moral policing aimed at suppressing creative works.