In a significant development within the Malayalam film industry, noted filmmaker Vinayan has issued a fervent appeal to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The director has requested the removal of B. Unnikrishnan, the general secretary of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), from the government-appointed committee responsible for formulating film policy. Vinayan’s call comes in the wake of a prior penalization of Unnikrishnan by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for engaging in anti-competitive practices.
On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, Vinayan conveyed his concerns in a detailed letter addressed to the Chief Minister. The letter outlined that Unnikrishnan’s previous involvement in anti-competitive schemes should disqualify him from participating in the policymaking body. Vinayan supported his argument by referencing a Supreme Court decision from September 2020, which upheld penalties against individuals and trade organizations for violating the provisions of the Competition Act.
The origins of this controversy date back to March 24, 2017, when the CCI issued an order based on a complaint lodged by Vinayan himself. The commission’s ruling included a collective fine of ₹11.25 lakh, targeting FEFKA, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), and their representatives. According to Vinayan, these groups had conspired to restrict his professional opportunities by instructing artists, technicians, and producers to refrain from collaborating with him.
The letter specifically recalled that Unnikrishnan, in his capacity as FEFKA’s general secretary, was fined ₹32,026. Additionally, Sibi Malayil, who served as FEFKA’s president, was penalized with a fine of ₹66,356. The CCI had also levied a penalty of ₹4 lakh on AMMA and ₹85,594 on FEFKA, respectively, further deepening the repercussions for their contrived actions against Vinayan.
Bringing these details to light, Vinayan’s letter emphasized the ethical and procedural inconsistencies of including an individual like Unnikrishnan in a government-appointed body.
. The overarching argument is based on moral grounds, highlighting that individuals previously found guilty by a national regulatory authority should not be in positions where they can influence policy, particularly within the sector where they committed violations.
Vinayan’s allegations are rooted in broader concerns about the fairness and integrity of the Malayalam film industry. The filmmaker stressed that the inclusion of Unnikrishnan in the policy-formulating committee sends a dangerous message, potentially undermining the transparency and trust that should be the bedrock of any cultural sector. Vinayan’s advocacy for a clean and unblemished committee is aimed at fostering a more equitable and inclusive environment in the industry, where filmmakers can operate without fear of retribution or bias.
This call to action brings to mind earlier instances where the film industry has grappled with similar challenges. The issue of monopolistic and anti-competitive behaviors is not new in Indian cinema; various regional industries have contended with comparable crises over the years. The concern is that such practices stifle creativity, limit opportunities, and ultimately harm the cultural richness that diverse voices bring to the medium of film.
As this plea gains traction, industry stakeholders, including other filmmakers, actors, and technicians, are monitoring the situation closely. Many see this as a litmus test for the Kerala government’s commitment to fair practices and the equitable administration of cultural policies. The film industry, known for its artistic prowess and critical acclaim, is at a crossroads, where the decisions made today will significantly impact its future trajectory.
The Kerala Chief Minister’s office has yet to respond to Vinayan’s letter formally. However, the gravity of the allegations, along with the regulatory and legal precedents cited, suggests that this matter will necessitate a thorough review. Observers are keen to see whether the state administration will take a firm stand against individuals previously convicted of anti-competitive practices, thereby setting a precedent for governance not just in Kerala but potentially influencing broader national standards within the film industry.
For now, the Malayalam cinema world will be watching with bated breath as this internal conflict unfolds, hoping for resolutions that align with the principles of fairness, justice, and artistic freedom. Vinayan’s earnest plea underscores the ongoing struggle to ensure that the industry remains a bastion of creativity untainted by dubious practices, reaffirming the ethos that nurtures filmmakers’ talents and ambitions.
