Director Ranjith resents selection for IFFK

Thiruvananthapuram: Selection of movies to Competition Section of the 19th edition of International Film Festival of Kerala has courted controversy as director-producer Ranjith withdrew his latest movie "Njan" as it does not get entry in the section though it has been included in the "Malayalam Cinema Today" section.

Ranjith, who scripted, directed and produced a handful of movies for both the class and mass, said he is not questioning the jury's decision but does not want to screen his movie in the 'Malayalam Cinema Today' section.

The annual event, organised by Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, attracts large number of film enthusiasts from and outside the country every year.

"I wished my movie to be screened in the Competition Section. But it could not make it to that. Since I do not want to screen it in the Malayalam Cinema Today, I chose to withdraw it. It does not mean that I am against Chalachitra Academy or the jury," he told PTI.

"Najan" (Self Portrait), which hit theatres last week, has already earned critical applause. Based on noted writer T P Rajeevan's novel "K T N Kottoor-Ezhuthum Jeevithavum", the film has Dulquer Salman, son of super star Mammootty, in the lead role.

"Munnariyipp", a Mammootty-starrer co-produced by Ranjith and directed by noted cinematographer Venu, also did not gain entry in any section of the festival.

"Munnariyippu also received good reviews. But, it could not make its entry into the festival though we wished for it," he said.