Filmmaker Ranjith Sankar Voices Concern Over Bharat Bandh's Impact
As a nationwide strike called Bharat Bandh brings Kerala to a near standstill on February 12, prominent Malayalam filmmaker Ranjith Sankar has publicly questioned the effectiveness of such traditional shutdown protests. The strike, organized by major trade unions and farmers' organizations, has led to the closure of educational institutions, public transport, shops, and government offices across the state.
Questioning the Effectiveness of Traditional Strikes
Ranjith Sankar, best known for critically acclaimed films like 'Passenger', 'Su Su Sudhi Vathmeekam', and 'Njan Marykutty', shared his concerns through an Instagram story. The filmmaker argued that in today's digital age, where private offices, schools, and colleges can operate online, such strikes disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
"This strike is most likely to affect small businesses, daily wage employees, and street vendors," Sankar emphasized. He warned that traditional shutdown protests risk sidelining the very communities they aim to protect, creating unintended consequences that undermine their original purpose.
Pointing to Alternative Protest Models
The filmmaker drew attention to innovative protest methods from around the world, particularly highlighting an example from Japan. "In Japan, bus drivers once went on strike—they kept driving but refused to collect fares. The public was not affected, but company revenue was hit. That's precision," Sankar noted, suggesting this approach minimizes collateral damage while effectively targeting the intended entities.
Ranjith Sankar also referenced the global MeToo movement as another example of effective modern resistance. "MeToo didn't block traffic, it didn't shut down cities. It told stories publicly. Powerful men fell. Systems shook," he observed, highlighting how narrative-based movements can create substantial change without disrupting daily life.
Calling for Contemporary Resistance Methods
The filmmaker concluded his note with a powerful statement about the need for protest methods that align with current times. "We need methods that match the times, not memories of the past," Sankar asserted, advocating for more strategic and targeted approaches to resistance that consider today's technological and social realities.
Ranjith Sankar's critique comes as Kerala experiences significant disruption from the Bharat Bandh, with essential services and daily activities severely impacted. His comments have sparked discussions about protest efficacy in the digital era, where traditional methods may need reevaluation.
Recent Professional Endeavors
On the professional front, Ranjith Sankar's most recent directorial venture was the 2024 film 'Jai Ganesh', starring Unni Mukundan and Mahima Nambiar. The filmmaker continues to be an influential voice both in cinema and social commentary, using his platform to address contemporary issues beyond the entertainment sphere.
