Kerala Culture Minister Saji Cherian Slams Centre Over Denial of Film Clearances at IFFK

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian on Tuesday strongly criticised the Centre’s denial of clearance for the screening of 19 films at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), saying the move would seriously undermine the festival and harm the state’s efforts to promote cinema tourism.

Speaking to reporters here, Saji Cherian said the refusal to grant clearance for the films was unjustified, noting that many of the titles are internationally acclaimed and widely screened across the world. He questioned the basis on which permission was denied and asked whether the contents of the films were being unfairly labelled as “anti-national”.

The minister warned that such decisions could have long-term consequences for IFFK, which attracts thousands of delegates and film enthusiasts from across India and abroad every year. He said repeated obstructions of this nature would affect Kerala’s reputation as a major hub for world cinema and cultural exchange.

Saji Cherian alleged that the denial of clearance was part of a broader pattern of the Centre targeting the state through financial and administrative pressures. He cited recent reductions in the Centre’s contribution to the rural employment scheme and cuts in central allocations, while a significant share of the state’s tax revenue continues to be collected through GST.

“When the state explores alternative avenues for revenue generation, such as cinema tourism through IFFK, fresh hurdles are being placed in the way,” the minister said, adding that such actions discourage cultural initiatives and weaken federal cooperation.

If the situation persists, Saji Cherian cautioned, it would raise serious questions about the future of the film festival itself.