Political appointees at the top of film industry-related bodies are having a hard time. Even as Central Censor Board Chief Pankaj Nihalani, whose claim to fame is the music video Har Har Modi and a few B-grade hits, is facing heat from the Hindi film industry, Congressman Rajmohan Unnithan who was appointed chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) is facing protests even before he has taken charge.
A group of Corporation members, including actors Maniyanpillai Raju, Siddique and Ibrahim Kutty, film-maker Shaji Kailas, and cinematographer S. Kumar, are getting ready to tender their resignations in protest against his appointment. Outgoing chairman Sabu Cherian confirmed this to The Hindu .
In addition to Mr. Unnithan, Congress party members K.C. Abu and Sasthamangalam Mohan have been appointed to the director board.
According to those who are set to resign, there was no need for a change at the top as the KSFDC has been witnessing a kind of resurgence in recent years. Following the renovation work done on most of the government theatres across all districts, revenues have increased in recent years, they say.
But Minister for Cinema Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan remained adamant on his stand and said that political appointments were not a new thing. He told presspersons that Mr. Unnithan had been appointed for his organising capabilities.
(Reporting by
S.R. Praveen)
