Kerala film policy forumulation panel faces overhaul following sexual allegations against Mukesh

Thiruvananthapuram: Amidst mounting complaints and controversies, there are discussions about revamping the film policy-making committee. The CPM has reportedly advised MLA and committee member Mukesh to step down following sexual harassment allegations against him.

There have been calls for the removal of director and FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan from the committee as well. This demand was made by the director Vinayan. Vinayan came out against Unnikrishnan by referring to the Supreme Court verdict in connection with the ban on Vinayan.

Policy formulation committee

The government had previously appointed a ten-member committee to draft cinema policy, chaired by Film Development Corporation chairman Shaji N Karun. The committee also includes Mini Antony, secretary of the Culture Department, as convener, and MLA and actor Mukesh, Manju Warrier, FEFKA general secretary and director B Unnikrishnan; actress Padmapriya; cinematographer Rajeev Ravi, actress Nikhila Vimal, producer Santhosh Kuruvila and Film Academy secretary Ajoy Chandran as members.

This panel was established based on the Hema Committee report to address issues within the film industry. However, the committee has faced criticism from the outset. Director and cinematographer Rajeev Ravi voiced his concerns about being appointed without prior consultation, while trade bodies like the Film Chamber and Producers Association were excluded from the policy-making process.

The committee's performance has been deemed unsatisfactory by several stakeholders. The Women Collective in Cinema (WCC) also expressed dissatisfaction, and both Padmapriya and Manju Warrier chose to distance themselves from the committee's work. The situation worsened with harassment allegations against Mukesh, putting both the government and the CPM on the defensive.

In response, there is a push to revamp the policy-making panel to address these issues and include members who are actively engaged. Shaji N Karun is expected to continue as chairman, with the focus now on restructuring the committee to support the film industry and its stakeholders.