IFFK Kochi kicks off as ‘invitation row’ rages on
KOCHI: Hundreds of film aficionados converged in the city as the second leg of the 25th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) got underway amidst allegations of leaving out eminent film personalities at the inaugural function held at Sarita Theatre on Wednesday. Ater national award winning actor Salim Kumar and ace director Shaji N Karun, director Salim Ahmed also came out against the “shoddy” management of the prestigious event.
Brushing aside the charges, Chalachitra Academy chairman Kamal alleged that Salim Kumar’s decision to stay away from the film fest was politically motivated.
“I had personally called the actor (Salim Kumar) to clear the air. I also had invited Shaji N Karun several times. Probably he does not remember,” Kamal said.
Salim Kumar, a National Award-winning actor, and Shaji N Karun, a former Chalachitra Academy chairman, were let out of the invitee list for the inaugural event, according to reports. Salim Kumar, an avowed Congress man, had alleged that he was excluded from the list of 24 award-winners due to political reasons. Ater the controversy erupted, the organisers had invited him but he said he would not go.
“I was invited at the last minute. But I had said earlier itself that I would not take part in the fest. I would be deceiving those who backed me if I change that stance,” Salim Kumar said.
But Kamal said that he had directly called Salim Kumar but he declined the invitation.
“Shaji N Karun was not kept away from the fest. I called him several times. Six emails were also sent. Probably he does not remember,” Kamal claimed.
As a mark of protest over not inviting Salim Kumar, some delegates arrived for the fest, wearing badges with the popular actor’s photo.
Congress MLAS TJ Vinod and PT Thomas and Hibi Eden, MP, who were invited for IFFK function, did not turn up. Another award winning director, Salim Ahamed, also joined Salim Kumar and said that he was also not invited to the IFFK inaugural ceremony. “If the eligibility to light the lamp at the event was to win national and state wards in the last 10 years, then surely I am qualified. I am not saying that I have made great films.