Poet Thampi Justifies Adoor Gopalakrishnan's Controversial Remarks On Women Filmmakers

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Poet Sreekumaran Thampi backs filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan's controversial remarks on government funding for marginalized and women filmmakers.
As debate continues to brew over filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan's controversial remarks on government funding for filmmakers from marginalised communities, veteran poet and lyricist Sreekumaran Thampi has publicly stepped forward to support the acclaimed director.
Thampi defends Adoor Gopalakrishnan
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Thampi defended Gopalakrishnan's comments made during the Kerala Film Conclave, where the Dadasaheb Phalke awardee questioned the rationale behind allocating funds specifically to women and SC/ST filmmakers. The comments had drawn sharp criticism from Kerala's Cultural Affairs Minister, Saji Cherian, and ignited a larger discussion about inclusivity and merit in the state's cultural funding policies.
Thampi, however, expressed firm support for Gopalakrishnan, describing him as 'one of the greatest living filmmakers in the world" and dismissing the backlash as unwarranted. 'What is wrong with his statements? The government is giving Rs 1.5 crore to promote filmmakers from marginalised sections but that's public money," Thampi said.
He argued that public funds should not be distributed without a proper assessment of eligibility and skill. 'We cannot simply give away public money. What is wrong with saying the fund should be provided after giving them necessary training in filmmaking?" he added.
Addressing accusations that Gopalakrishnan had unfairly targeted specific communities, Thampi clarified that the filmmaker's comments were general in nature. 'He only said that those receiving government funding should have adequate knowledge about cinema. Camera is not a toy," he remarked.
Thampi also weighed in on the disruption that occurred during Gopalakrishnan's speech, when playback singer Pushpavati protested from the audience. He criticised the interruption, calling it 'ignorance." 'It was wrong to interrupt him during his speech. She could have spoken after he finished," he said.
When asked about Pushpavati's background, Thampi appeared dismissive. 'She once came to take a selfie with me at a railway station, but I still don't know who she is," he commented, despite reporters pointing out her musical credentials.
In response, Pushpavati maintained a respectful tone, telling a TV channel that she held Thampi in high regard and would refrain from making further comments.
What was the controversy about?
Speaking at the event, Adoor questioned the current model of financial support being extended to filmmakers from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and women communities through the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC).
'The government is giving around Rs 1.5 crore to individuals from SC/ST communities. I once told the Chief Minister that this could open up space for corruption," Adoor said. He added that while the intent behind such schemes is positive, proper groundwork was lacking.
'I want to give a suggestion — those selected should be given intensive training, at least for three months, on how films are made. Just having an interest isn't enough. They should understand budgeting and filmmaking. This is public money — tax money — and must be used responsibly. Instead of giving Rs 1 crore to one person, it should be split into Rs 50 lakh each for three people," he added.
Adoor extended the same argument to women filmmakers: 'Don't give money just because someone is a woman. They should also receive expert training. We need more women filmmakers — there are a few brilliant ones — but if we want more like them, they should be prepared for the challenges of filmmaking."
His remarks were met with immediate criticism. Pushpavathi PR, Vice Chairperson of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, responded by defending the support extended to women and transgender filmmakers as well.
'People from SC/ST communities have not had the opportunity to come to the forefront of cinema. It's been 98 years — that's the reality," said Minister Cherian. 'One of the best decisions taken by this government was to provide Rs 1.5 crore each for two films. We've already released four and are funding two more."
'How many women in our state have directed films? We gave Rs 1.5 crore each for two women-led films and completed three to four projects. We've also launched initiatives for the transgender community. Everyone should have the opportunity to be part of cinema."
Responding to concerns about misuse, Cherian said, 'These decisions are not made arbitrarily. A screening committee of respected members from the Malayalam film industry evaluates each project. And the films produced under this scheme have been extraordinary. We are 100 per cent confident that we made the right decision."
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