Case against the entry of Prithviraj-movie 9 for Kerala State Film Awards

A group of independent filmmakers have filed a writ petition against the entry of Prithviraj movie 9, directed by Jenuse Mohammed, son of Kamal, who is chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, for the State Film Awards.
The petitioners, Satish Babusenan, Shinos Rahman and Santhosh Thampi allege that the Academy has violated section III (6) of the awards guidelines which prohibits jury members or their close relatives from entering films for awards.“The same had reflected in the 2018 awards where Carbon, directed by Beena Paul’s husband Venugopal had won six awards and Aami, directed by Kamal, had won two awards. Kamal and Beena Paul are members of the executive board of the Academy that recommends the jury members to the Department of Cultural Affairs. This time, a film by Kamal’s son has been entered in the competition…. This is a clear case of nepotism and must not be allowed to happen again,” state the petitioners.
They also seek resignation of Kamal from the post of Academy chairman. “Film personalities Adoor Gopalakrishnan, T. K. Rajeev Kumar and Indrans have resigned from their positions in the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy when their films competed for State awards. Alternatively, the Academy may be asked to exclude Jenuse Mohammed’s film from taking part in the awards competition,” say the petitioners. The case has been posted for hearing on September 18.
Kamal says the team has been purposefully attacking him. “Firstly, Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Indrans did not resign as their films were nominated for the State Film Awards. The rule clearly explains that the Academy members cannot apply for individual awards. T K Rajeev Kumar followed this rule and he resigned when his movie Shesham was sent for awards,” Kamal explains, adding that Beena Paul and him retained the positions in 2018 as they did not apply for individual awards. “It is Prithviraj who submitted 9 for the awards not Jenuse. We have made sure that we are ethically correct. Since my son’s movie is on the list, I have not been involved in the selection of the jury,” he explains.
Kamal also points out that the guidelines of Kerala film awards is fair compared to the National film awards. “There are no limitations for the filmmakers to be part of the awards. The restrictions are imposed only on the films of the jury members not anyone related to them,” he adds.
Kamal further adds that the screening of the films for State awards will be held soon. “It was delayed due to the pandemic. The jury head is ready to come down and go into quarantine. So, things will be sorted in two months,” he adds.