Is the Kerala Film Awards Controversy Justified Over the Best Lyricist Award for Vedan?
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Synopsis
The Kerala State Film Awards face ongoing criticism as screenwriter Didi Damodaran challenges the decision to honor rapper Vedan with the Best Lyricist award. She labels it a betrayal of the government's promises to support victims of violence against women. This article explores the implications of this controversial decision.
Key Takeaways
- Didi Damodaran criticizes the award to Vedan.
- The decision is seen as a breach of trust regarding women's safety.
- The jury praised the song for its authenticity.
- Women’s groups are calling for accountability.
- This event raises ethical concerns in the film industry.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 5 (NationPress) The controversy surrounding the Kerala State Film Awards persists, as screenwriter and novelist Didi Damodaran vehemently condemned the decision to award the Best Lyricist title to rapper Vedan (Hiran Das Murali). She labeled it an “injustice” and a “betrayal” of the government’s proclaimed commitment to combat violence against women.
Currently, Vedan is out on bail due to allegations of sexual assault, a situation that has deeply troubled Didi Damodaran.
On Tuesday, the focus shifted to those involved in children's films, as the Kerala State Film Awards announced on Monday did not award any prizes in the children's films category, citing a lack of quality submissions.
In a strongly-worded Facebook message on Wednesday, Didi Damodaran claimed that the jury’s choice to honor Vedan constituted a “breach of trust” and demanded an apology from the film jury to “the women of Kerala.”
She emphasized, “Even if the decision is unchangeable in court, it has penned an unjust chapter in film history. The jury must apologize to women for this.”
Rapper Vedan earned the award for the track “Kuthantram (Sweat-Stitched Shirt)” from the movie 'Manjummel Boys'. The jury praised the lyrics for authentically depicting the struggles and resilience of marginalized communities through “genuine, unrefined imagery.”
However, Didi Damodaran contended that artistic excellence cannot be dissociated from ethical accountability. “The phrase ‘Sweat-Stitched Shirt’ may resonate, but the award is marred by the pain experienced by the victims. No accolades can erase that blemish,” she asserted.
Her comments refer to previous allegations against Vedan that circulated on social media, despite the absence of formal legal actions.
Women’s organizations have also expressed their concerns regarding the decision to honor him, pointing to the government’s previous commitments made during the Film Conclave to uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards offenders in cases involving women.
Didi Damodaran stated that the recognition granted to the rapper undermines those commitments. “This is a betrayal of trust following the government’s assurances at the Film Conclave that offenders would not be shielded,” she added.
Point of View
I believe that while artistic merit is essential, it should not overshadow the ethical implications of honoring individuals with serious allegations against them. The conversation initiated by Didi Damodaran is vital for accountability within the industry.
NationPress
05/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the controversy at the Kerala State Film Awards?
The controversy was ignited by screenwriter Didi Damodaran's criticism of the Best Lyricist award given to rapper Vedan, who is out on bail for sexual assault allegations.
What was Didi Damodaran's main argument?
Didi Damodaran argued that awarding Vedan undermines the government's commitment to combat violence against women and called for an apology from the jury.
How did the jury justify the award to Vedan?
The jury praised the lyrics of Vedan's song for authentically portraying the struggles of marginalized communities.
What was the response from women's organizations?
Women's groups expressed their disappointment with the decision, citing the government's previous promises of zero tolerance towards offenders in cases involving women.
What does this controversy mean for the film industry?
The controversy raises important questions about the intersection of artistic accolades and ethical accountability within the film industry.
