Plea in high court seeks to set aside state film awards

Kochi: Lijeesh Mullezhath, director of the movie ‘Aakaashathinu Thaazhe’, on Monday moved the high court seeking to set aside the recently declared annual state film awards and raised bias and nepotism charges against State Chalachitra Academy chairman and filmmaker Ranjith. The petition seeks an is inquiry and action against Ranjith.Mullezhath claimed that he was a victim of bias and nepotism by “the acts of Ranjith” and was entitled to be considered for the best positions of excellence in the Awards.His plea seeks an order to “set aside declaration of Kerala State Awards for Malayalam Films & Writings on Cinema 2022... (and) a direction or order directing the respondents 1&5 (directorate of culture and Kerala Police) to conduct an enquiry and take appropriate action against the 3rd respondent (Ranjith).”The plea cited the recent allegations of filmmaker Vinayan against Ranjith, which accused him of influencing the award committee. Vinayan had alleged that Ranjith misused his power as Academy chairman and tried to prevent his movie ‘Pathonpatham Noottandu’ from receiving major awards. By releasing a purported voice clip of Nemom Pushparaj, one of the jury members, allegedly confirming Ranjith’s interference, Vinayan had challenged Ranjith to refute the charges. agencies
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