Row over awards gets murkier

New Delhi, Feb 15 (IANS) The controversy over the Kerala state film awards does not seem to die down as a noted filmmaker Thursday alleged that some jury members had no knowledge of cinema.

"It is highly unfortunate that the state awards were decided by a jury in which some of the members did not know anything about cinema or its technology," Ranjith, who was in the national capital for exhibiting his latest movie, the Mammootty-starred "Kayyoppu" ('signature'), told reporters.

The state film awards, announced last week, had surprised many as young star Prithviraj was chosen for the best actor prize, beating many brilliant performances by reigning superstars.

Many critics have said that most of the award winners were "politically well-connected" with the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led Left Democratic Front government in the state.

"It was unfortunate that a person like (state Culture Minister M.A) Baby did so," Ranjith said.

According to the filmmaker, who has several popular movies like "Nandanam" and "Ravanaprabhu" to his credit, "some of the jury members were surprised when they were asked to be a part of the judging committee."

He said such moves would be an "insult" to those who make quality films.