At the ‘Kerala Film Policy Conclave’ held recently, Gopalakrishnan questioned the state government’s decision to provide ₹1.5 crore in funding to SC/ST and women filmmakers.
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Veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan has landed in controversy after making critical comments about government grants given to filmmakers from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and women communities.
Dalit activist Dinu Veyil has filed complaints against him with the police and the Kerala SC/ST Commission, saying the remarks were offensive and harmful.
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At the ‘Kerala Film Policy Conclave’ held recently in Thiruvananthapuram, Gopalakrishnan questioned the state government’s decision to provide ₹1.5 crore in funding to SC/ST and women filmmakers. He said the amount was “too high” and could lead to corruption.
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He suggested that instead of giving such a big amount, the government should offer a smaller grant, around ₹50 lakh, and give proper training to these filmmakers for at least three months.
Dinu Veyil, a Dalit activist, submitted formal complaints to the Museum Police in Thiruvananthapuram and also approached the Kerala SC/ST Commission. He said Gopalakrishnan’s words were not just disrespectful, but possibly in violation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
In a detailed post on Facebook, Dinu explained that Gopalakrishnan’s statement seemed to portray SC/ST individuals as dishonest or likely to misuse public money. According to him, this kind of generalisation can spread hatred or prejudice and may fall under Section 3(1)(u) of the Act, which prohibits promoting ill-will against SC/ST communities.
He further pointed out phrases like “They should be told to understand that this is public fund” and “They have thought that they will take this money, they can take it and take a picture”.
Dinu argued that such remarks made SC/ST beneficiaries sound ignorant and careless. This according to him is public humiliation, punishable under Section 3(1)(r) of the same law.
The activist added that even if no specific individual was in target, Gopalakrishnan’s statements insulted everyone connected with the grant. This includes those present at the event, past applicants, and viewers who watched the speech in the media.
Kerala’s Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian, who was also at the conclave, strongly defended the government’s decision. He said the initiative was a historic step to support communities kept out of mainstream cinema for over 100 years.
“This policy is not something we will withdraw. It is meant to correct old injustices,” said the Minister. He explained that the grants were part of a wider plan to ensure diversity and inclusion in the Malayalam film industry.
The Minister also reminded everyone that the film world has domination of certain groups for decades. He said it was only fair that the government now provides support to those left behind.
Adoor Gopalakrishnan, a Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner, has not yet responded publicly to the complaint.
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