Premium2018 filmmaker Jude Anthany Joseph dismisses political undertones: ‘It’s a reminder of when we stood united’
A section of people had come out on social media criticising 2018 for not showing the LDF government in better light
Last Updated: 01.32 PM, May 11, 2023
Even as director Jude Anthany Joseph’s 2018 has been hailed by the audience for its message of hope and humanity, a section of people in social media have criticized the filmmaker for not showing the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government or the opposition party in better light.
A few people had expressed their disappointment at the film’s content, not highlighting the achievements and efforts of the then State government, which was also led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Those who found fault, also accused Jude of being a pro-Congress, while also trolling him for thanking the Central government, adding that help was not offered to Kerala when it was most needed.
In a social media post, the Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission director PS Sreekala wrote that the movie presented half-truths that are as "dangerous as propaganda". She also said that the chief minister in the film was presented as someone who was shaken and indecisive during the crisis and the movie had several other elements such as the government authorities not carrying out adequate research on the impact of opening of dams.
This prompted the outspoken filmmaker to take to his social media page on Wednesday to offer an explanation. Jude, who said that the movie’s opening credits included the team extending their gratitude to Vijayan and opposition leader VD Satheeshan.
“This film is a small reminder of the time when the (State) government, opposition party and the Central government stood by us, shoulder to shoulder, and did some phenomenal work. Isn’t this victory ours? To the brothers who are dragging caste, religion and party into this, not necessary bro, chuck it,” wrote Jude.
In an earlier interview with OTTplay, Jude said that it was necessary for such a movie to come out that highlighted the unity and humanity. “In the current scenario, what we are also missing is this. We are going through a weird phase where everything is dissected based on political parties’ agenda and castes. But because there are positive people who inspire hope and have humanity, we are still standing united and progressing,” said the filmmaker.
2018, which also has Tovino Thomas, Asif Ali, Narain, Kunchacko Boban and Vineeth Sreenivasan, has already collected Rs 30 crore worldwide and is on its way to become one of the highest grossing Malayalam movies this year.