KOCHI: Fort Kochi's Regional Development Officer (RDO) imposed stringent measures after a complaint from the BJP to abandon the play titled 'Governorum thoppiyum' (Governor and Hat). The Network of Artistic Theater Activists Kerala (Natak) Kochi Regional Committee's production 'Governorum thoppiyum' was scheduled to perform at the Pallath Raman Memorial Hall as part of the Kochi Carnival. BJP's Sivakumar Kammath, the General Secretary of the Mattanchery constituency lodged a complaint with RDO K Meera.

Subsequently, the RDO issued a notice demanding changes, including altering the play's title directly notifying Natak Kochi Regional President P A Bose. Bose informed Kerala Kaumudi that they explained the drama's narrative to the RDO leading to the renaming of the play to "Before Dawn." The character of the governor was transformed into 'Adhikari.' However, Bose expressed concern that the essence of the play was lost, leading to the show's cancellation out of fear of potential disruptive incidents.

Based on a German story, the play scripted and directed by Suresh Koovapadam starred all actors from Kochi.

The RDO's stipulations included

- Prohibition of the name 'Governor'
- Avoiding any mention or imitation of Central and State Governments or constitutional positions
- No religious or political references in the costumes

The play 'Governorum thoppiyum' depicts a narrative set in a tribal region where subjects must bow down upon encountering a tyrannical governor. The governor's hat symbolizes authority and must be respected wherever it is placed. Defiance against the governor results in severe punishment until the people unite and overthrow the tyrant.

BJP's Shivakumar Kammath justified the complaint as an attempt to prevent disrespect towards constitutional positions.

"Such orders won't halt the drama. We'll decide our next steps after reviewing the directive"
--J. Shailaja, State General Secretary (Natak)