EntertainmentPosted at: Dec 13 2025 12:50AM


At IFFK inauguration, Kerala Minister extends support to survivor-actor in the actor abduction–rape case

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 12 (UNI) Kerala Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan on Friday highlighted IFFK’s enduring commitment to women in cinema, recalling last year’s Female Gaze segment and the prominence accorded to women directors under the Malayalam Cinema Today category.
In a resolute political message, Minister Cheriyan also reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering support for the survivor-actor in the actor abduction–rape case.
Emphasising that the government would “stand firmly with the survivor,” he assured that justice would be upheld without compromise. The Minister said this while inaugurating the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) at the Nishagandhi Auditorium.
The festival began with eleven film screenings on Day One, following the grand inaugural proceedings.
To mark IFFK’s 30-year milestone, dignitaries lit 30 eye-shaped lamps, symbolising cinema’s ability to shape perspectives and foster global understanding.
Cuku Parameswaran, Vice Chairperson of the Kerala Chalachithra Academy, presided over the event and remembered the late filmmaker Shaji N. Karun as a visionary who believed Kerala deserved a significant place in world cinema.
Acclaimed Chilean director Pablo Larraín, the chief guest, was honoured by the Minister, along with Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh, Ambassador of Palestine to India, and Dr. Philipp Ackermann, Ambassador of Germany to India.
A moment of solidarity was marked when the Minister and the Palestinian Ambassador raised their hands together on stage. Canadian filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshall received the Spirit of Cinema Award.
The Minister also released ‘Karunayude Camera’, a book celebrating the works of Shaji N. Karun, handing the first copy to his wife, Anasuya Shaji. Spanish actor and jury member Angela Molina launched the IFFK handbook, presenting it to K. Jayakumar, while Vietnamese filmmaker and jury member Bùi Thac Chuyen was also honoured.
Legendary filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan released the Festival’s Daily Bulletin, giving it to Dr. Divya S. Iyer. Filmmaker Kamal released a special edition of Chalachitra Sameeksha, handing it to Bina Paul.
Veteran filmmaker Rajeev Nath, marking 50 years in cinema, was honoured with the release of ‘Thanal’, a book tracing his cinematic journey.
KSFDC Chairperson K. Madhu received the first copy.
Special editions of Janapadham and Kerala Calling magazines were also released and handed to Madhupal.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Dr. A. Jayathilak, Chalachithra Academy Secretary C Ajoy, filmmaker Prem Kumar, Director T. K. Rajeev Kumar, actor Sarayu Mohan, Film Chamber President Anil Thomas, and Sohan Seenulal.
A fusion musical performance featuring sitar, tabla, keyboard, and drums infused the venue with energy ahead of the ceremony.
The inaugural day concluded with the screening of the Palestinian film ‘Palestine 36’, marking the official opening of this year’s film lineup.
Earlier this week, a court in Kerala acquitted Malayalam superstar Dileep in the case of abduction and rape of a leading actress. The trial court convicted six others in the case but cleared Dileep who was accused of criminal conspiracy in the case to kidnap and assault the woman.
The actress, who has worked in more than 80 films in southern Indian languages and won a number of prestigious awards, was assaulted by a group of men while travelling in February 2017.
After his acquittal, Dileep told the media that there was a "conspiracy" against him and that he was "the real victim". "It was done to destroy my career, image and life in society," he said.
However, Kerala Law Minister P Rajeev rejected his claim and said he believed "the survivor didn't get complete justice" and that the government has decided to challenge the verdict.
"I have spoken to the chief minister and the director general of police regarding the matter. The prosecution has been directed to initiate further proceedings in this regard," he said.
UNI DS RN
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Tags: #At IFFK inauguration# Kerala Minister extends support to survivor-actor in the actor abduction–rape case
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