Thiruvananthapuram: The International Film Festival of Kerala witnessed a protest here on Sunday after some delegates entered into a quarrel with organisers amid the screening of Tovino Thomas starrer ‘Vazhakku’. According to reports, the delegates protested against issues related to reservation.

For the screening of ‘Vazhakku’ attended by Tovino Thomas and the filmmakers, 100 per cent of the seats were reserved. Hence, many people who reached to watch the movie were disappointed. A quarrel broke out between these people and the event organisers during the screening of the movie.

The delegates staged a protest at the venue and raised placards when actor Tovino came out of the theatre.

‘Vazhakku’ directed by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan was screened at Aries Plus SL Cinemas, one of the venues of IFFK here on Sunday at 3 pm. A huge crowd gathered in front of the theatre after IFFK organisers announced that actor Tovino will reach for the show. Over 100 people took to the queue of unreserved seats for watching the movie. But when the majority of the people who reserved seats reached the show, the organisers asked the people in the unreserved queue to leave. Following this, the delegates created a ruckus in front of the theatre.

Meanwhile, the protesters claimed that they fell into a quarrel with the organisers after a YouTuber and others were allowed entry despite not booking tickets. It is alleged that even people who reserved seats were not allowed to watch the movie.

“We are not able to watch a single movie after taking a pass worth Rs 1000. The organisers must consider the people who are not aware of online booking. 50 per cent of the seats should be allotted for online booking and the other 50 per cent must be kept for spot booking. This practice will be appropriate,” said one of the delegates. Some of the delegates alleged that some privileged people are allowed without reservation. 

“We are not able to watch the movie even after waiting in queues for hours. Such a situation will not be seen in any international film festivals. IFFK organisers are cheating the people who took delegate passes spending money. Now, they promised that they will bring necessary changes to solve the issue. Let’s wait and see,” said another delegate.

IFFK witnessed a steep rise in the number of delegates on Sunday. Compared to previous years, this year’s event marked a record number of delegates.