Thiruvananthapuram: Film Development Corporation Chairman K Madhu clarified that filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s controversial remarks at a recent cinema conclave do not reflect the position of the Kerala government.

“What Adoor Gopalakrishnan said is his personal opinion, not the government’s stance,” said KSFDC Chairman Madhu, responding to the criticism sparked by the veteran director’s comments, which were seen as derogatory towards Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) filmmakers and women directors.

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K Madhu emphasised that the government has taken a bold and progressive decision to provide financial assistance and institutional support to filmmakers from SC/ST communities, as well as to prioritise their creative endeavours.

“I won’t speak further on the issue, as both individuals who expressed opposing views are my mentors,” he added, referring to Adoor Gopalakrishnan and another senior figure in the industry.

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“The intention is to move forward in line with the government’s inclusive approach. That is also my personal view.”

The controversy erupted after Adoor Gopalakrishnan remarked that filmmakers from SC/ST backgrounds and women directors receiving government support should undergo at least three months of intensive training under experts. The comment was widely criticised as patronising and exclusionary.