Panel on film policy reorganized; Mukesh MLA out, members reduced from ten to seven

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government issued an order reorganizing the panel to prepare the draft on film policy. The ten-member committee has been reduced to seven. Mukesh MLA accused in sexual harassment complaint was removed from the panel. The new members are Chalachitra Akademi Chairman Prem Kumar and Cultural Welfare Board Chairman Madhupal.

The order of the ten-member committee formed was issued in July 2023. Actress Manju Warrier and cinematographer Rajeev Ravi left the panel citing their busy schedule. The WCC and the film chamber had criticized the appointment of the committee without holding discussions. Director Rajeev Ravi also said that it was not right to make him a member of the committee without consulting him.

FEFKA representative director B Unnikrishnan had resigned recently. The members of the panel are actresses Padmapriya, Nikhila Vimal and producer Santhosh Kuruvila. Film Development Corporation chairman Shaji N Karun is the chairman. When the committee was formed, Mini Antony, former secretary of the culture department, was the convener. Following her retirement, chalachitra academy secretary C Ajoy, will be the convener.