In a significant development within Kerala’s vibrant film industry, noted filmmaker Vinayan has formally requested Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to remove B. Unnikrishnan, the general secretary of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), from the government’s committee responsible for the formulation of film policy. Vinayan’s plea, issued through a detailed letter dated August 28, 2024, hinges on allegations of anti-competitive practices for which Unnikrishnan was penalized by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
Vinayan contends that an individual who has been found guilty of such significant malfeasance should not hold a position of influence in policymaking. His letter emphasizes that the Supreme Court itself had upheld the penalties against trade organizations and individuals, including Unnikrishnan, as recently as September 2020. This judicial rebuff ostensibly adds weight to his argument, underscoring that those who have breached the trust of competitive integrity should not be entrusted with procedural responsibilities within the film industry.
By way of background, the CCI had, on March 24, 2017, issued an order based on a complaint filed by Vinayan. The complaint pointed fingers at FEFKA, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA), and associated representatives for indulging in activities aimed at stifling competition. These actions culminated in a significant penalty, collectively amounting to ₹11.25 lakh, imposed on the accused organizations and their office-bearers. According to Vinayan, this punitive measure was warranted because the accused parties had actively hindered his professional activities by coercing artistes, technicians, and producers into refusing work with him.
The financial breakdown of these penalties was substantial. The Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) was penalized ₹4 lakh and FEFKA ₹85,594. More pointedly, the leadership of these organizations faced individual fines: B. Unnikrishnan, in his capacity as general secretary of FEFKA, was fined ₹32,026, whereas Sibi Malayil, the FEFKA president, was penalized ₹66,356.
. These figures highlight the significant adverse findings of the CCI concerning their anti-competitive conduct.
In his letter to the Chief Minister, Vinayan expressed his deep concern over the implications of Unnikrishnan’s inclusion on the film policy committee. He elaborated that allowing Unnikrishnan to continue in such a role could potentially undermine public trust in the committee’s recommendations and decisions. Moreover, Vinayan suggested that Unnikrishnan’s past actions and the subsequent penalty highlight a fundamental disregard for ethical standards, making his position on the panel untenable.
Vinayan’s missive insists that the sanctity of any policy formulation process hinges considerably on the ethical standing of its members. By referencing the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the CCI’s punitive measures against Unnikrishnan and others, he poignantly argued that integrity and adherence to competitive fairness are non-negotiable prerequisites for anyone aiming to influence state-level policy.
The CCI’s verdict also cited in the letter, underscores the systemic issues faced by the Malayalam film industry, including coercive practices that can stifle creativity and restrict market access for independent filmmakers. According to Vinayan, the penalties imposed by the CCI not only serve as a deterrent against such conduct but also affirm the need for a fair competitive environment within the film industry. He pointed out that these anti-competitive practices are antithetical to the principles of creative freedom and market equality that the film community should uphold.
Given these circumstances, Vinayan urged Pinarayi Vijayan to undertake a thorough review of the composition of the film policy committee. He stressed that the inclusion of members should be reflective of ethical steadfastness and unblemished conduct, to ensure that the formulated policies are both credible and conducive to the growth and integrity of the film industry.
The Kerala film industry, often lauded for its rich cultural contributions and creative achievements, is now at a crossroads. The decision regarding the composition of its policy-making committee could very well influence its direction for years to come. The outcome of Vinayan’s appeal to the Chief Minister is thus awaited with considerable interest, not just by industry insiders but by the wider public as well.
As the state government considers its course of action, the broader film community watches closely, hopeful that prudence and ethical conduct will guide the final decision.
