Film award row: Ranjith refuses to comment on Vinayan’s allegations

Kozhikode: Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman Ranjith on Sunday refused to comment on the controversy that following filmmaker Vinayan’s allegations over the former influencing the state film award’s jury. 

Speaking to Mathrubhumi, Ranjith stated that he did not intend to respond to the controversy despite the ongoing row. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed the Department of Cultural Affairs to conduct an inquiry into the matter on account of Vinayan’s complaint in this regard. 

Vinayan had accused Ranjith of misusing his position to pressurise the jury against considering his film ‘Pathonpatham Noottandu’ for the awards. He had also released audio clips of jury members Nemom Pushparaj and Jensy Gregory, who were heard talking against Ranjith over the awards, as proof of his claims.

Furthermore, Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan backed Ranjith publicly and dismissed allegations against the malpractices in the film awards.