Filmmaker Dr Biju responded to criticism from Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairman, director Ranjith, emphasising that the latter lacked the credentials to assess a film that garnered international acclaim at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).
Ranjith had asked what was Dr Biju’s relevance when few people went to theatres for his new release.
The controversy is over his film Adrishya Jeevithangal.
Dr Biju addressed Ranjith's questioning of his film's relevance and performance at the theatres in an interview with The New Indian Express, defending his work and stature. He contested Ranjith's assessment, stating that the chairman's perspective lacked insight into the dynamics of a film festival of international repute.
In an open letter posted on his Facebook page, Dr Biju expressed that Ranjith's critique failed to acknowledge the film's selection in the prestigious Kaleidoscope category at IFFK. He defended the success of his film 'Adrishya Jeevithangal', asserting its strong reception at the festival, where its screenings witnessed substantial attendance and reservations within minutes.
Responding to Ranjith's remark questioning his relevance due to low theatre footfall, Dr Biju compared his international recognition, notably from a jury presided over by acclaimed Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan. He highlighted the irony of assessing cinema solely by theatre occupancy and suggested a broader understanding of cinematic appreciation.
"The last international recognition I got is from a jury headed by [acclaimed Turkish] director Nuri Bilge Ceylan. You can ask someone about that director. Since he is also a director whose films don't fill theatres, you may not know his relevance either," he wrote on Facebook.
Expressing discontent over Ranjith's assessment, Dr Biju revealed having sent a personal message, affirming that his relevance was not subject to Ranjith's judgement.
He added that Ranjith responded with a "thanks" and a "threat to stop".
Dr Biju condemned what he described as Ranjith's domineering attitude, asserting his refusal to comply with any aristocratic behaviour.
This public assertion followed alleged attempts by Ranjith to stifle dissenting opinions within the film fraternity. Director Vinayan alleged that Ranjith interfered in the Kerala State Film Awards jury decisions.
The matter had escalated with a complaint to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and a subsequent High Court plea by director M Lijeesh to annul the awards, alleging Ranjith's misuse of authority as the Academy chairman.