CM slams award for ‘The Kerala Story'
Speaking at the inauguration of the Kerala Film Policy Conclave in Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayan said, "A film that discredits the Kerala community has been deemed worthy of an award. This is not a recognition of art, but of cultural corruption—using cinema as a tool to spread communal hatred."
He said such moves reflect a deeper message: "Art is being evaluated using criteria beyond creativity, with the intent of replacing secularism with communalism.
The film consciousness of Kerala must rise to counter this assault on our culture, history, and heritage."
Vijayan stressed that Malayalam cinema attained greatness by staying rooted in the land, its people, and secular values. "This very foundation is now under attack," he said. He added that the state's secular legacy—admired globally—is now being misrepresented to fuel divisions. "These issues must be addressed seriously within film circles," he said.
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While welcoming the recognition received by some deserving artists at the national level, the CM noted that Malayalam cinema as a whole was not given its due.
Highlighting the state's early cinematic legacy, he noted that while many Indian-language films focused on mythology, Malayalam cinema broke new ground with socially relevant themes in its first silent film 'Vigathakumaran' and talkie 'Balan'.
Malayalam cinema has always been shaped by progressive, renaissance values and the national movements that fought against colonialism, he said.
Vijayan also raised concerns about the increasing portrayal of graphic violence and glorification of drug use in films, warning of their impact on young minds.
Actor Mohanlal, also present at the event, said the new film policy should provide direction for Malayalam cinema's growth while ensuring welfare measures for behind-the-scenes workers and encouraging broader participation in production.
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