In a heartfelt Facebook post, filmmaker and writer Shruthi Sharanyam, known for her work on B 32 Muthal 44 Vare (2023), has responded to a defamatory complaint submitted to the Honourable Minister for Cultural Affairs, which targets several filmmakers, including herself.

She expressed her deep frustration over the allegations made in the complaint and highlighted the challenges filmmakers face when working under government schemes.

In her post, Shruthi pointed out that the filmmakers named in the complaint, including herself, had simply participated in a government-funded project, not realising the personal and professional cost they would pay in return. "Had we known that the price we would have to pay for it would be our peace of mind, our careers, and our dignity, many of us might not have gone for this work at all," she wrote.

She took particular issue with the assertion that filmmakers like herself, who participated in government schemes, were unqualified. "I am a trained and practising filmmaker, not someone who just barged in without knowing the craft," she clarified.

She explained that she applied for the project based on her postgraduate education in film and over 18 years of experience in the industry. She also questioned how many of those who signed the complaint had the same level of expertise in cinema, pointing out that not everyone agrees with the tastes or choices of the critics.

Shruthi also addressed the complaint's claims about the lack of her film's selection at international festivals. She explained that her film had been submitted to less than ten festivals and that most filmmakers, including herself, did not have the rights to even send their films to these festivals. In her case, the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), which handled her film's distribution, failed to send the necessary Vimeo link to several festivals despite repeated requests. On one occasion, when Shruthi sent the link herself to ensure her film's participation, the KSFDC threatened to take legal action against her for violating copyright laws.

"I still don’t have a copy of my own film," she revealed, adding that many people assumed her silence was due to favours received from the KSFDC, when in reality, it was a result of enduring ongoing humiliation and frustration.

The filmmaker also spoke about the general inefficiency of government schemes in India. She expressed her resolve to no longer remain silent in the face of these unfounded complaints, declaring, "I will no longer stand by silently and humbly in a situation where people, who don’t get worked up about anything else, are constantly getting riled up only about this particular scheme."

She concluded her post by making it clear that she would pursue legal action against any future defamatory statements. "Henceforth, if anyone brings out any such irresponsible complaint or writing against us, I will file a defamation case against them," she wrote. She ended her message with a plea for peace, asking, "Leave us alone ."