Govt to Bring in Law for Women’s Protection in Malayalam Cinema: Minister Saji Cheriyan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Highlighting the need to end exploitation of women in filmdom, Minister for Culture Saji Cheriyan today said that the state government is all set to bring in a legislation for protection of women in Malayalam Cinema.

The legislation will be drawn up after going through the reports of the Adoor Gopalakrishnan and the Justice Hema Commissions, appointed to study the problems in Malayalam Cinema, Cheriyan said while inaugurating the renovated Kairali-Nila-Sree theatre Complex of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) here.

Comprehensive discussion with stakeholders will be held based on these reports before finalizing the law, the Minister said.

Noting that there are umpteen film artistes who are struggling financially and physically, Cheriyan said the government will set up an exclusive centre for their wellbeing.

The renovated film complex situated in the heart of the state capital offers a high-end technology-enabled cinematic experience to viewers, ahead of the 26th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) beginning on March 18.

“Apart from its existing 17 cinemas, KSFDC planned to set up around 50 theatres in the state. With the completion of the renovation of Chithranjali Film Studio, it will become one of the much-sought after film studios in South India,” he added.

Minister for Transport Antony Raju, who presided over the function, said the renovated theatre gives the film buffs an opportunity to watch films in world-class facility at affordable rate.

On the occasion, Minister for Education and Labour V Sivankutty formally handed over the cinemas for screening of the eight-day-long IFFK.

Shri Sivankutty said the upkeep of the renovated theatre complex is the responsibility of the employees as well as the public.

KSFDC Chairman Shaji N Karun, in his welcome address, said cinema will exist forever by surviving all the challenges. He added that the renovation of the theatre complex is a milestone in the history of the corporation.

Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairman Ranjith; KSFDC Director Board Members B Ajithkumar, Bhagyalakshmi and Mohan Kumar were also present.

The theatre complex has been renovated at a cost of Rs 12 crore. All the three screens at the complex have been equipped with the most modern technology available. The RGB 4K laser projector and triple beam 3D unit based on SMPTE parameter will offer prime visual experience. The 32-channel Dolby Atmos ensures the highest quality audio output.

A ‘Baby Room’ and a ‘Mother’s Room’ are among a raft of special features of the complex, making it women and child-friendly. If children feel restless during the show, parents can take them to the Baby Room and watch the movie from there. The ‘Mother’s Room’ in the lobby will be useful for breastfeeding women. The ramps and wheel-chairs make the theatre user-friendly for the differently-abled.

Apart from the attractively furbished and wi-fi-enabled air-conditioned foyer, canteens, food court and rest rooms, there are also facilities like reading room, painting gallery, elevator, dormitory, VIP room, and VIP launch in the complex.

KSFDC Managing Director N Maya presented the report.

Noted film personalities, yesteryear theatre owners, former employees of KSFDC, film workers and technicians were honoured at the inaugural ceremony. After the inauguration, the screening of English film The Batman Was held.

KSFDC established Kairali and Sree theatres in the capital in 1988. In 2010, the cinemas were equipped with digital projection facility. The third theatre, Nila, was added to the complex in 2012.