Veteran director Adoor Gopalakrishnan defended his controversial remarks, criticizing the misuse of govt film grants, at Kerala Film Policy Conclave. He stressed on the need for proper training for first-time filmmakers.
Thiruvananthapuram: Veteran Director Adoor Gopalakrishnan has responded to the controversy surrounding his recent remarks at the Kerala Film Policy Conclave. In an exclusive interview with Asianet News, he clarified his stance stating that government grants are extended to representatives from backward communities to ensure they receive opportunities in the film industry. “These grants are not meant for someone to make just one film and vanish,” he said, adding that the need for proper training arises due to this factor. “The real issue is the lack of knowledge in the craft. Equipping them with the right training will build both their confidence and capability to continue contributing meaningfully to cinema. Rs 1.5 crore is a huge amount for first-time filmmakers. No one has insulted them. I have never made a film for such an amount. This money should be spent carefully. It requires proper planning. Costs increase when films are made without preparation. I complete filming within 30 days,” he added.
Director Adoor Gopalakrishnan clarified his earlier remarks, stating that he completes films without unnecessary expenses because of his deep understanding of the medium. He emphasized the importance of resource allocation, pointing out that if ₹50 lakh is given to each of three aspiring filmmakers, it creates more opportunities than granting ₹1.5 crore to a single individual. “There’s no justification in claiming that ₹1.5 crore isn’t sufficient,” he said, adding that many recipients of such assistance often lack prior experience.
“I never said that funds shouldn’t be provided,” Adoor explained. “What I meant was that the money should be spent wisely. Simply approving a script is not enough—without proper orientation, the result could be a disaster.” He reiterated that his comments were intended to advocate for aspiring filmmakers from backward communities, stressing the need to equip them with the right training and support so they can build sustainable careers in the industry.
Adoor Hits Back at Criticisms
Adoor stated that he has no objection to the government providing financial assistance for filmmaking, but raised concerns about how those funds are being utilized. “All filmmakers are expressing concerns. KSFDC is spending money without proper planning,” he said, adding that his comments were made in support of filmmakers from backward communities and women.
He also strongly criticized activist Pushpavathy, who protested during his speech at the film conclave. “What right did they have to interrupt me?” Adoor questioned. “They are not even connected to the film industry. I am not an outsider. Who are they to interfere?” He accused the protestors of seeking attention by disrupting his address. “Do they have any authority to be at the event? Can anyone walking down the street just show up and speak? Is this a market?” he asked, expressing frustration and also questioning why the minister present did not intervene to stop the disruption.
Further, the filmmaker said that he did not mention caste or a particular person when he spoke at the film conclave, and that the media’s reporting was wrong. “You have to learn to walk before you can run,” said director Adoor Gopalakrishnan, emphasizing the importance of foundational training in filmmaking. “Can someone write poetry without first learning the alphabet?” he asked, underlining that proper education is essential to creating quality cinema. He added that the minister fails to understand this basic principle. Standing by his earlier remarks, Adoor stated firmly, “I don’t need to defend what I said.”