Adoor Gopalakrishnan should stick to films - not get into Kerala's identity politics

Kerala society keeps changing, whether that change is measured in terms of years or decades.

But each time Malayalees talk about being among the most progressive-minded, one constant comes back to bite them. The fact that caste and caste politics will always be simmering under the surface of Kerala’s social landscape. These days, add a bit of gender politics and all that comes to the surface is mud – and mud that gets thrown around impacting on reputations.

Which is why even days later, one can’t still understand why Adoor Gopalakrishnan – one of India’s most esteemed film-makers – had to wade into caste and gender politics? All n one speech?

Adoor’s reputation as director of some of the most incisive commentary on Kerala social norms can never be questioned. (Just watch Mathilukal and Anantharam to have a feel of his genius. If still not convinced, watch Vidheyan.)

By now, most Malayalees would have come up with their own views of whether Adoor was right or wrong to say what he said. In essence, he was questioning the Kerala state government’s policy of funding films - by as much as Rs15 million - directed by scheduled caste/scheduled tribe community members. And by a similar amount to women directors.

Now, Adoor’s complaint was that these funds were going into projects even before those directors had the sufficient skills and training in putting together a film. More so, when these films are made using taxpayers’ money.

Of course, any Indian citizen can comment about how his or her government uses tax collections. There will be many who will say without a doubt that the Kerala government of the day could be spending more on ensuring enough life-saving medicines and equipment are there at government-owned hospitals.

No one would have blamed Adoor for saying there should be accountability in how public funds are used to direct government-backed films. But the moment he mentioned SC/ST and brought the subject of women, he was treading on dangerous ground.

Especially in Kerala which has never truly shaken off the legacy of casteism despite having a well-earned reputation of being one of India’s most liberal-minded states. Adoor should have known better than to get his reputation sullied with such remarks. Because all that he managed was to end up being criticized – and become a target for trolling.  

Because this is the same Kerala society that took on Yesudas – who just about all Malayalees know as ‘Ganagandharvan – when he said women should not be wearing jeans. (It took some time before Malayalees forgot that remark and went back to knowing Yesudas for his legions of memorable songs.)

Same goes for classical dancer Kalamandalam Sathyabhama, who has stirred up quite a bit of backlash for alleged caste-based references.

Long and short, having a view on caste and to say that openly needs some careful vetting. Someone like Vellapally Natesan can say it in his verbal tug-of-war with the Congress leader VD Satheesan. Natesan will always say and do things his way, which is why he is such a unique social and political figure – with unmatched influence.

As for Adoor, he could have just let the rules that the film industry lives by to make his case – make a bad movie and you end up with a high chance of rejection from the audience. That’s the best lesson any director should abide by.

Calling on the Kerala government to change its ways when it comes to funding films by newbies. Whatever their caste or gender - It’s not for Adoor to suggest. Simple.