Rise against those stifling voice, CM Pinarayi Vijayan tells artistes

THALASSERY: Thousands of movie buffs thronged Thalassery Municipal Stadium to witness the glittering 47th Kerala State Film Awards on Sunday, but Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regretted the absence of the industry's leading lights. The chief minister who gave away awards to 43 winners and facilitated 11 veterans for their outstanding contributions at the function held in his hometown for the first time, said they should have come without waiting for an invite.

The recipients included Adoor Gopalakrishnan (JC Daniel Award for overall contributions), Vidhu Vincent (best director and film), Vinayakan (best actor), Rajisha Vijayan (best actress), but not many stars. “A cross section of the film fraternity should have been here to encourage others. They should have attended the function even without an invitation,” Mr Vijayan said. He wanted the artists to rise against those stifling their voices.

“Some people wanted to ban the creations which are questioning them forcefully. They don’t want people to see such works. This is against the fundamental rights,” he said. He also referred to the murder of veteran journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh and banning films on Rohith Vemula and said the Censor Board had banned ten films in the last one year. A dance ensemble by actress Shobana, music programme by M. Jayachandran and comedy show by Ramesh Pisharody and his team followed. Culture minister A. K. Balan presided over the function.