Thiruvananthapuram: Veteran Malayalam film director Adoor Gopalakrishnan has landed in trouble over remarks allegedly insulting filmmakers from the SC/ST community during a state film conclave here. Dalit activist Dinu Veyil has filed a complaint with the Museum Police and the SC/ST Commission, demanding action against the acclaimed filmmaker.

In his complaint, emailed to both the police and the commission, Dinu alleged that Adoor made comments portraying members of the SC/ST community as either criminals or corrupt individuals. He claimed the director deliberately insulted the Dalit communities, which is an offence under Section 3(1) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

While addressing the film conclave in Thiruvananthapuram, Adoor criticised the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) for providing ₹1.5 crore in funding to aspiring filmmakers from SC/ST communities. He stated that such individuals should first undergo proper training by experts before receiving financial support.

Condemning Adoor’s remarks, Dinu argued that the director implied SC/ST beneficiaries of government schemes are merely interested in taking the money and fleeing. He further said that the telecast of Adoor’s speech at a public event propagated harmful stereotypes about SC/ST individuals.

Adoor faced immediate backlash from the Dalit community following his statement. Dalit singer Pushpavathi protested during the conclave by standing in opposition to the director’s remarks. She said that financial support from the government serves as a crucial form of encouragement for people from marginalised sections of society.