Call to remove IFFK chairman Ranjith after his remarks on director Biju’s film

Thiruvananthapuram: At the 28th International Film Festival of Kerala, tensions escalated within the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy as nine out of the 15-member board called for the removal of Renjith, the current chairman.

The controversial meeting unfolded on the penultimate day of the prestigious film festival, with Renjith reportedly present in his room adjacent to the venue. Sources reveal that dissent has been brewing within the academy for some time, reaching a boiling point during a recent incident involving award-winning film director Biju.

The catalyst for the upheaval was Renjith's critical remarks about Biju's film, which was being showcased at the ongoing festival.

In response to the chairman's comments, Biju resigned from his position as the director of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation, sparking concerns about the internal dynamics of the film community in the state.

The rift deepened as word spread, prompting State Minister of Films Saji Cherian to intervene and assure stakeholders that the matter would be addressed. However, with the festival set to conclude on Friday, and as the academy returns to its regular activities, the issue is poised to take centre stage once again.

The majority of the academy's board members are now demanding Renjith's resignation, setting the stage for a potential shakeup in the leadership.

The film fraternity is anxiously awaiting developments, as the fallout from this clash threatens to cast a shadow over the otherwise vibrant celebration of cinema in Kerala.