Academy Award-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty has stepped down as president of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy. His resignation comes after the recent change of government in Kerala.Resul Pookutty reportedly tendered his resignation to the general secretary, ending his tenure at the state-backed film body.
The resignation submitted after the political change
According to On Manorama, the departure of Resul Pookutty marks a significant change in the management of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy.The Academy plays a key role in promoting cinema by organizing film-related activities and conducting the famous Kerala International Film Festival.With the position of President vacant, attention has turned to selecting a new leader to lead the organization for the next few years.
Several names are being floated as possible successors
After the resignation of Resul Pookutty, speculations about his possible successor have started. Prominent names being discussed include veteran actor Jagadish. Actor Salim Kumar and filmmaker Deepu Karunakaran are also said to be considered.Another prominent contender is Prem Kumar, who was earlier the vice-president of the academy.Prem Kumar had earlier taken over the executive responsibilities of the Academy on an interim basis after filmmaker Ranjith stepped down as president.
The current management and board of the academy
The Academy’s current administration includes Vice President Kukku Parameswaran, who is also the General Secretary of the Malayalam Cine Artistes Association. Secretary C. Ajoy continues to manage the administrative affairs of the Academy.The governing council has several well-known personalities from Malayalam cinema. The members include actors Nikhila Vimal, Sudheer Karamana and Santhosh Keezhattoor.Filmmaker Amal Neerad, playback singer Sithara Krishnakumar and screenwriter Syam Pushkaran are also part of the board.
IFFK controversy during Resul Pookutty’s tenure
Resul Pookutty’s tenure at the IFFK 2025 edition drew criticism. Filmmaker Biju openly criticized the Academy and the state government over issues related to the organization of the festival.In a Facebook post, Dr. Biju referred to the academy president as a “dummy” and questioned his absence from the event.The filmmaker also pointed out that the festival was held without the active presence of either the director of the academy or the artistic director.Responding to the criticism, Resul Pookutty later addressed the issue while talking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram. According to Asianet News news, he explained that some foreign filmmakers could not attend the festival because the central government did not grant visa permission for reasons related to foreign policy.Resul Pookutty also admitted that his absence became a subject of criticism. However, he said that he remains involved in the functioning of the festival and that he has continued to participate in all important decisions made during the event.
