Thiruvananthapuram: Complete Actor Mohanlal has warmly welcomed the UDF government’s landmark decision to accord official industry status to the cinema sector in its maiden budget. Expressing his appreciation through a Facebook post, the superstar stated that the move would bring a fresh lease of life and immense growth to the film fraternity. He extended his heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister V D Satheesan and Cultural Affairs and Cinema Minister P C Vishnunath for spearheading this progressive step.

Alongside granting industry status to Malayalam cinema, the state budget unveiled a series of major cultural and film infrastructure projects. Chief Minister Satheesan announced the setting up of the prestigious J C Daniel International Film City in Kochi. In addition, the budget allocated resources to establish a permanent venue for the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) and proposed a dedicated Anti-Piracy Cell to protect creators.

Paying tribute to the state's cultural icons, the government also announced a Music Academy in Thrissur named after the legendary music director Johnson Master, and a memorial in Kochi to honour the late veteran actor Salim Kumar.


Mohanlal's Facebook post:
 

"I happily welcome the Kerala Government's decision in the new budget to declare cinema as an industry. There is no doubt that this decision will bring a new energy and growth to the film sector. My heartfelt thanks to Chief Minister Shri V D Satheesan and Cultural Affairs Minister Shri P C Vishnunath for taking the initiative on this announcement, which brings new hope to thousands of film workers."