Ace cinematographer-director Rajeev Ravi has clarified his stand on the controversy regarding inviting Malayalam film actor Mohanlal as the chief guest of the state awards function. He stated that the petition, which was signed by a few film workers including him ,was not intended as a personal offence against the actor.
Motive of plea
“A petition was submitted in which it was clearly stated that it would create an unfair precedence if a superstar was invited as the chief guest at an event organised by the government. There is no need at all to distribute the awards in the presence of a chief guest. Mohanlal’s name is not significant here. It could be anyone if not Mohanlal. We just questioned the creation of new patterns in the state awards function,” Ravi maked his stand clear to Onmanorama.
Focus on star
The film personality said that the current talk regarding the state awards function was not going in the right way. He added that it was saddening to see the real issue being digressed and turning into a personal attack against Mohanlal. He said that the controversy has escalated to such an extent that it got concentrated only on the actor. The award-winning cinematographer stated that those who signed on the petition do not depend on Mohanlal for their living. He added that their intention is not to launch a collective personal attack on the screen icon.
No link to strife
It is widely believed that the row is related to the dissensions in the Malayalam film industry. “The petition has been perceived by many including the media as an off shoot of the recent issues related to Association of Malayalam Movie Artists. This is an entirely different issue, and that is the reason why eminent writers like Sachy mash and NS Madhavan are supporting it. Most of the people who have signed on the petition are active members of the cultural scenario in Kerala,” he said.
Blind fanfare
Ravi even denounced the undue adulation for stars. “When the discussions are concentrated only on Mohanlal, the real issue is not communicated with the public. Blind devotion of fans to superstars is a recent phenomenon in Kerala. This in fact is disgraceful for the natives of Kerala,” he remarked.
Willful signatory
Ravi confirmed that he had signed on the mass plea willfully as he felt that the demands were just. He, however, added that he couldn’t speak for others. “I take the entire responsibility of it. I am not worried about it either,” he concluded.
Actor Mohanlal will be the chief guest at Kerala Film awards ceremony to be held on August 8.
