CPI(M)'s MA Baby Lauds Dileep Movie; Issues Clarification Amid Criticism (image:facebook.com/m.a.babyofficial)
Kerala: CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby has issued clarification following the backlash from his statement in support of the Dileep-starrer Prince and Family. In a Facebook post, veteran leader said that his comments were not intended to endorse the actor, an accused in the 2017 actor assault case and held that he had watched and later promoted the film at the “persistent request” of its director, Binto Stephen.
“Many friends have complained to me directly or indirectly that I made an opinion after watching the movie Prince and Family. This is what I have to say about that. I was compelled to watch this movie due to the persistent request of a young budding film director from Kerala,” wrote in the post.
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Continuing further, CPI(M) leader said that he felt the movie carried a good message. Even though it doesn’t exhibit extraordinary artistic merit, “it seemed like a healed movie with no violent scenes or unnecessary vulgar language,” he said.
He then dismissed that there is no need to interpret it as justifying the accused actor who acted in the film.
“I am saddened that those who have love for the party and me were placed in an uncomfortable position, which was never my intention,” the CPI(M) general secretary added.
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The controversy erupted when Baby, who after viewing the film in a Delhi theatre along with members of the Malayali community praised it as “suitable for family viewing” and one that “conveys a good message.”
Meanwhile, the Kerala Feminist Forum has issued a statement demanding immediate withdrawal of CPI(M) leader’s remark. The strongly worded joint statement was signed by activists including K. Ajitha, V.P. Zuhara, A.K. Jayasree, and Aleyamma Vijayan.
