Director Kunjila summoned by Kerala Police over a post about Hindu gods
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Ottapalam: Kerala Police has issued a notice to filmmaker Akhila Henry, popularly known as Kunjila Mascillamani, over a social media post allegedly insulting Hindu Gods.
The case was filed against her in May. A police official told PTI that the notice was issued to her to appear before the investigating officer after the preliminary investigation.
The case was registered under Section 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot). Ottapalam police asked Kunjila to appear within a week.
Kunjila was recently at the centre of a controversy after she protested at the venue of the third International Women's Film Festival against Kerala State Chalachitra Academy's (KSCA) decision to exclude her movie from the fest.
She staged the protest by occupying a chair on the dais and shouting slogans against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. She was forcibly removed from the venue. Many film industry members including Vidhu Vincent announced solidarity with her.
Vidhu wrote on Facebook that the questions raised by Kunjila over the criteria to select movies are relevant. "Taking people into custody and admitting them in hospitals is a fascist approach and not suitable for festivals like this."
Kunjila's film Asanghatithar shows the struggle of women workers in Kozhikode. Based on a true story, the story featured real-life personalities who led the agitation for basic rights like toilets in shops.