‘Didn’t meet the quality of a good film’; Minister responds for not presenting awards to children’s films

KOCHI: Culture Minister Saji Cherian reacted on the widespread criticisms for not presenting the best children’s film and best child artists when the state film awards were announced. While talking to the media, the minister said that he discussed the issue with the jury and they assessed that the films were not good enough to present the award.

‘There has been no complaint on the awards announced in the last five years. The best announcement without complaints was made yesterday. We should pay more attention

to children. I asked Prakash Raj about this matter.

Four films had come for this year's award. Out of them, two films reached the final lap. According to rules, proper priority should be given. However, the jury did not see those two films as creative ones. They assessed that those films were not up to the mark for awarding and expressed regret. The jury assessed that only ten percent of the total 137 films were of quality. They put forward a directive that Malayalam cinema should be changed to be very valuable.

Malayalam cinema did not try to include children in its content and bring them creatively. The government should intervene in this matter. They also put forward suggestions such as making a conscious effort to promote children's cinema. If a creative film comes, the government should also support it and at the next state film awards announcements, the only thing left to do is to change it so that children's films are given awards. We will take a stand on that matter. We will soon call a meeting with those involved in the film industry. Action will be taken,’ clarified the minister.