Kerala's Higher Education Minister Dr. R Bindu has raised strong objections against the alleged use of college students as unpaid helpers during the shooting of superstar Mohanlal's upcoming film 'SIR'. The incident occurred at Maharaja's College in Ernakulam, sparking widespread criticism across the state.
Minister's Strong Condemnation
In an official statement released on Wednesday, Minister R Bindu expressed deep concern over the reported engagement of students from the college to assist the film crew. The minister emphasized that educational institutions should maintain their academic focus and not become venues for commercial film productions that exploit student labor.
The controversy emerged when reports surfaced that students were asked to help with various tasks during the film's shooting schedule at the historic college campus. Minister Bindu made it clear that such practices are unacceptable and undermine the dignity of educational institutions.
College Administration Under Scrutiny
According to sources close to the development, the film crew had obtained permission from the college administration to shoot on campus. However, the involvement of students in supporting roles during the shooting has raised serious questions about the boundaries between academic activities and commercial entertainment projects.
Maharaja's College, being one of Kerala's premier educational institutions, has historically maintained high academic standards. The current incident has prompted education department officials to review the protocols for allowing film shootings on college premises across the state.
Broader Implications for Film Industry Practices
This incident has sparked a larger conversation about the film industry's practices regarding labor and the use of educational institutions for commercial purposes. While Kerala has long been supportive of its thriving film industry, the line between cooperation and exploitation appears to have been crossed in this case.
The minister's office has indicated that appropriate action will be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This may include stricter guidelines for film shootings in educational institutions and clearer protocols about student involvement in such activities.
Meanwhile, the production team of 'SIR' and college authorities have yet to issue detailed statements addressing the specific allegations. The film, starring Mohanlal and directed by Major Ravi, has been generating significant buzz among Malayalam cinema enthusiasts.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder about maintaining the sanctity of educational spaces while balancing the needs of cultural and artistic expressions. The Kerala government's prompt response demonstrates its commitment to protecting student welfare and preserving the academic environment in state educational institutions.
