Dalit activist Dinu Veyil files complaint against Adoor Gopalakrishnan over remarks on SC/ST filmmakers

Dalit activist Dinu Veyil on Monday informed via Facebook that he has filed a complaint against veteran filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan at the Thiruvananthapuram Museum Police Station and also with the SC/ST Commission.

According to Veyil, Adoor’s remarks at the recent Kerala government’s Film Policy Conclave amounted to promoting ill-will against Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) communities under Section 3(1)(u) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Veyil’s complaint highlights that Adoor portrayed all SC/ST individuals as potential criminals or corrupt through his statement, which, he argued, amounted to encouraging ill-will. He referred to the filmmaker’s comments that suggested SC/ST beneficiaries of government film funding might misuse the money, saying this portrayal links the community with dishonesty, immorality, and corruption.

He particularly objected to Adoor’s use of the phrase “Take the money and run”, which he claimed insinuated that SC/ST filmmakers would exploit public funds irresponsibly. Such generalisations, Veyil argued, could foster negative sentiments against the community.

The activist also cited Adoor’s remarks implying that SC/ST filmmakers lacked awareness or responsibility, particularly lines such as “They should be told it’s public money” and “They think they’ll get the money and go make a film.” Veyil alleged these amounted to intentional humiliation under Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST Act.

Although Adoor did not directly name any individual, Veyil stated that members of the SC/ST community present at the venue, those who had previously applied for KSFDC funds, and others watching the broadcast felt personally humiliated.

Context of Adoor’s remarks

At the Film Policy Conclave, Adoor Gopalakrishnan had raised concerns over the Rs 1.5 crore grant provided by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) to SC and ST filmmakers. He warned that such funds could be misused and suggested that rather than granting the entire amount to one filmmaker, it would be better to support three individuals with Rs 50 lakh each.

He also argued that structured training should precede funding, recommending a three-month course in budgeting and film production for SC community filmmakers. On gender-based allocation, he commented, “Don’t give funds just because someone is a woman,” though he acknowledged the rise of talented women filmmakers.

Adoor criticised the broader approach of distributing public funds without proper checks, saying, “Many people believe that just by applying, they are entitled to receive money to make a film. That’s a wrong notion.”

He also referred to protests at the K.R. Narayanan Institute, claiming they disrupted efforts to restore discipline and ultimately contributed to the institute’s decline. He concluded by stressing that public funds should support quality cinema, not commercial ventures.

Widespread backlash follows remarks

Adoor’s comments have drawn sharp criticism from sections of the film industry and civil society. Filmmaker Dr Biju attempted to challenge the remarks during the conclave but was not allowed to interrupt Adoor’s speech. Many attendees have since voiced concern over the tone and intent of the statements made at a platform meant to shape inclusive film policy.