IFFK Closing Ceremony turns sour as Chairperson Ranjith is booed by delegates

The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy’s chairperson, Ranjith, faced hostility from the delegates during the International Film Festival of Kerala’s closing ceremony. The reaction was an extension of the protests that took place a few days earlier during the screening of Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Mammootty-starrer ‘Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam’. Some delegates claimed that they were unable to watch the film because of unauthorized entry by non-pass holders. The film, however, went on to win the ‘audience prize’ award.

In response, Ranjith spoke out against the personal attack and challenged the protesters, “I know you are protesting because you didn’t get seats. Let us see how many of you will go and watch the movie in theatres when it comes out.” Ranjith also recounted his time with the SFI, the students’ wing of the CPM, and claimed that he has been a persistent activist since 1977, and thus, not easily defeated.