Vinayan kicks up a storm on the Kerala State Award controversy; says will approach the CM and court

The controversy around the transparency of the Kerala State Awards 2023 is refusing to die out. New dirt is being raked up on the issue, and this time it involves Kerala Art and Culture Minister Saji Cherian and film director Vinayan.

Cherian had issued a statement that Ranjith, a film director and the chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, had not interfered with the jury's decision. Vinayan has taken offence to this and said that it is Ranjith who needs to address the allegations and not the minister.

Speaking to the media, Cherian had said, "Ranjith cannot interfere and influence the jury. He has no role in deciding these awards. There is a strict procedure in place for that. He did not select the jury members, and he cannot meddle with the process. The allegations made are baseless, and those who have any objections should produce evidence. Ranjith is a legend and has led the Chalachitra Academy well during his chairmanship."

Let's put some context on the issue: Earlier, Vinayan had alleged that Ranjith denied major awards to his film Pathonpatham Noottandu, which received three awards, including Best Composer, Best Female Playback Singer, and Best Dubbing Artist. He made the allegation through a Facebook post and also shared a phone conversation that he had with Nemom Pushparaj, a jury member.

His post read, "There is no need for the minister to give a clean chit to Ranjith. My question is to Ranjith, not the minister. The minister should have properly looked into the issue before addressing the media."

Vinayan also said that he will lodge a complaint with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and will approach the court if needed.

Pathonpatham Noottandu is a period drama set in 19th-century Travancore. The film is based on the life of Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker, a warrior who fought social injustices. Siju Wilson played Velayudha Panicker.