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The Hindu
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Modernised Kairali-Sree Theatres opened in Thrissur
Minister for Culture Saji Cherian inaugurated the renovated Kairali-Sree theatres in Thrissur on Tuesday. Speaking at the function, the Minister said that Kerala will continue to resist attacks on creative freedom and will emerge as a progressive model in the cultural domain. Modern theatres are essential to deliver films to audiences in the best possible way, he said. . He said that a Cinema Conclave will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on August 2 and 3 and a Cultural Congress in Kochi from December 18 to 20, which will promote peace and harmony and provide platforms for dialogue on artistic freedom. 'At a time when even the naming of films is being questioned, the need for cultural unity is more urgent than ever,' he said. 'More modern theatres are under construction in Kayamkulam, Vaikom, Alappuzha (Alagappanagar), and Payyannur. By 2030, the aim is to expand to 50 screens across the State. The State is also investing in inclusion, with annual grants of ₹1.5 crore each for two SC/ST directors and two women directors to produce films. A new award has been instituted for transgender individuals who excel in the field of cinema, and women are being trained for technical roles through the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy,' the Minister said. Mr. Cherian also announced that a new cinema theatre project will soon begin in Ollur. He also highlighted that ₹150-crore worth of modernisation is under way at the Chithranjali Studio, with the first phase involving ₹70 crore in new infrastructure, positioning it as a premier film production hub in Kerala. Revenue Minister K. Rajan, who presided over the event, stressed the need to safeguard physical and mental well-being in an increasingly polarised environment. He warned against attempts to politicise even exercise and education, referencing to controversies around including practices like Zumba in school curricula. The Kairali and Sree theatres, originally opened in 1999 under the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC), have undergone a major upgrade at a cost of ₹16 crore. The revamped facilities now feature state-of-the-art technology including RGB 4K laser projection, Hugo silver screens, Dolby Atmos 36-channel audio, pushback and platinum sofa seating, and air-conditioned baby feeding rooms. Kairali now seats 519 (including 33 platinum sofa seats) and Sree accommodates 327 (with 36 sofa seats), allowing more than 800 viewers at once. The complex also includes lifts, cafeteria, waiting area, guest rooms, accessible restrooms, and ample vehicle parking, designed to be disabled-friendly. Minister Cheriyan praised filmmaker Shaji N. Karun for his vision that guided the redesign and reaffirmed the government's commitment to the cinema sector. The event also paid tribute to the late Shaji N. Karun, former Chalachitra Academy chairman, with a commemorative address by filmmaker and KSFDC Board member M.A. Nishad. Actor T.G. Ravi was honoured for completing 50 years in cinema. Other dignitaries attended the event included KSFDC MD P.S. Priyadarsan, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Chairperson Mattannur Sankarankutty, Lalithakala Akademi Chairman Murali Cheeroth, and Thrissur Corporation officials.
India Today
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Kerala High Court grants 10 days for report on cases named in Hema Committee
The Kerala High Court has granted the Special Investigation Team (SIT) ten days to submit its report on the investigation into cases flagged in the Hema Committee report regarding women's harassment in the Malayalam film the hearing before a special bench comprising Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice CS Sudha, the state government informed the court that a Cinema Conclave is scheduled for August, before finalising the draft of the much delayed policy for the Malayalam film from 600 organisations have been considered while drafting the proposed film policy, which will be discussed at the conclave. The government added that the legislation based on this policy would be framed two months after the event. The court also took note of the progress in cases linked to the Hema Committee. Of the 40 cases registered based on its findings, further action has been dropped in 26. A report on these developments has been filed before the SIT clarified that these cases were not filed based on victim complaints following the publication of the Hema report. Instead, they were registered after reviewing the report and examining statements made to the court has posted the matter for further hearing on June IS HEMA COMMITTEE?The Hema Committee, formed in 2017, was established following a petition by the Women in Cinema Collective to investigate issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film three-member committee, comprising retired High Court Justice K Hema, actor Sharada, and retired IAS officer KB Valsala Kumari, examined the industry's treatment of women and provided recommendations after a series of shocking revelations, including sexual exploitation, discrimination, and a lack of a clear employer-employee InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Kerala
