Director Moves Kerala HC Challenging State Awards for Malayalam Films 2022, Alleging Bias and Nepotism

Lijeesh Mullezhath, the director of the Malayalam movie ‘Aakaashathinu Thaazhe,’ has filed a petition in the Kerala High Court, seeking the annulment of the Kerala State Awards for Malayalam Films & Writings on Cinema 2022.

Mullezhath alleges that the awards declaration was tainted by bias and nepotism attributed to Ranjith, the Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy. The petitioner asserts that the awards, announced on July 21, 2023, were compromised due to alleged unlawful interference by Ranjith, as claimed by Vinayan, the director of another Malayalam movie ‘Pathonpatham Nottaandu.’ Vijayan alleges possession of evidence, including voice recordings of jury members, suggesting illicit involvement of the Chairman in the awards’ decision-making process, thereby introducing partiality and nepotism.

The petitioner contends that, were it not for the alleged bias, he would have rightfully achieved recognition through the State Awards. Thus, the petitioner seeks the nullification of the State Awards declaration.