Thiruvananthapuram: The committee chaired by Shaji N. Karun, Chairman of the Film Development Corporation, includes actresses Padmapriya and Nikhila Vimal, as well as producer Santosh Kuruvila. It also comprises Prem Kumar, Chairman of the Film Academy, and Madhupal, Chairman of the Cultural Welfare Fund Board. When the committee was formed, Mini Anthony, the former secretary of the Cultural Department, served as the convener. Following her retirement from service, C. Ajay, the secretary of the Film Academy, will take over as the convener. This reduces the committee’s membership from ten to seven.
The government issued an order in July 2023 to form the ten-member committee. Although director and cinematographer Rajeev Ravi and actress Manju Warrier were included, both voluntarily withdrew, citing scheduling conflicts due to their commitments in the film industry.
Rajeev Ravi revealed that he was appointed to the committee without prior consultation. The appointment of the committee without discussion with the members was criticized by the WCC and the Film Chamber.
The new committee will provide the government with the report from the fifth meeting on film policy and a draft for the restructuring. A film conclave is expected to take place in the third week of December, where the draft will be presented. After incorporating further amendments, a final report will be prepared. Once approved by the cabinet, the policy will come into effect. Efforts are underway to formulate the policy by January.
