KOCHI: People who propagate Hitler’s fascist ideologies seem to be threatening those opposed to their views, Lenin Rajendran, film-maker and Chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), has said.
Addressing film fraternity under the banner of Film Employees Federation of Kerala here on Saturday, Mr. Rajendran said it was high time people joined hands against fascist forces. “Hitler had also capitalised on divisive policies to weed out Jews from his country. India, which has always upheld democratic and diverse views, cannot accept voices that threaten writers like M.T. Vasudevan Nair and ask film-makers like Kamal to go to Pakistan,” he said.
Actor KPAC Lalitha said no divisive force could split the Malayalam film industry. “We will never allow anyone to threaten individuals like M.T Vasudevan Nair and Kamal. The film fraternity is united in its struggle against such elements,” she said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Film-maker and actor Renji Panicker said the Constitution guaranteed the right to express one’s views without fear. “Those who try to create fissures in society in the name of religion and politics should not forget that the nation has always welcomed different views, ideals and culture without imposing barriers,” he added.
Film Employees’ Federation of Kerala general secretary B. Unnikrishnan said the collective was not just aimed at protesting against the remarks of a few people against M.T. Vasudevan Nair and Kamal. “We are also opposed to attempts by certain sections to portray actors like Mohanlal as supporting the views of a political party whenever he speaks his mind,” he said.
Film-maker Siddique said the Malayalam film industry had always offered space for divergent views and supported freedom of expression without fear or favouritism. Those trying to break that unity will never succeed, he added.
ADVERTISEMENT