Malayalam Director Balachandra Menon Upset After His Films Ignored At Keraleeyam Film Festival
He also specifically mentioned April 18 and wondered why it was excluded from the festival.
Menon also inquired about the absence of films that promote family values and nationalism.
Director Balachandra Menon expressed his strong disappointment with the Keraleeyam programme, particularly after none of his movies, despite his 45-year career in Malayalam cinema, was featured at the film festival.
Menon raised concerns about the film festival, noting that even films not released in theatres were being showcased as representatives of Malayalam cinema. He questioned the absence of his films, such as Achuvettante Veed, a feminist movie, and Chiriyo Chiri, a pioneering comedy film. He also specifically mentioned April 18 and wondered why it was excluded from the festival.
Menon highlighted his significant contributions to government initiatives like KSFDC and Chitranjali, including his award-winning film Samantharangal, which was filmed at Chitranjali. He conveyed his disappointment that even this prestigious work was not included in the film festival and questioned the rationale behind its exclusion.
Menon also inquired about the absence of films that promote family values and nationalism. He made it clear that he was raising these concerns as a responsible citizen, not out of personal animosity. Menon concluded by expressing his sadness for having to voice these comments on Keralapiravi, and he urged those in charge to reflect on their decisions. He underscored that his aim was not to harbour grudges but to speak out against perceived injustices.
Balachandra Menon reminded the Kerala government that, in a democratic nation, filmmakers should not be coerced into any particular direction. He questioned whether it was wrong to incorporate nationalism in his films or to promote the idea that family is the cornerstone of society and should be nurtured.
Balachandra Menon, the accomplished filmmaker, now 69 years old, started his film career in 1978 with the movie Uthradaratri, where he not only directed but also crafted the screenplay and wrote the story and dialogues. In 1981, he stepped in front of the camera for the first time in his film Maniyan Pilla Adhava Maniyan Pilla, which he directed and produced. From that point on, he continued to excel as an actor.
Notably, Balachandra Menon received the National Award for Best Actor for his performance in his film Samantharangal. Additionally, the film earned the national award for Best Film on Family Welfare in 1997.
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