Academy Award-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty has stepped down as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, following a recent change in government in the state. According to reports, he submitted his resignation to the chief secretary, ending his tenure at the state-backed film body.
Resignation follows political change
As per On Manorama, Pookutty's exit marks a significant shift in the leadership of the Academy, which plays a crucial role in promoting cinema by organizing film-related activities and conducting the prestigious International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). With the chairman's position now vacant, attention has turned toward selecting a new leader to guide the institution in the coming years.
Potential successors emerge
Following the resignation, speculation has begun regarding Pookutty's possible successor. Prominent names being discussed include veteran actor Jagadish, actor Salim Kumar, and filmmaker Deepu Karunakaran. Another notable contender is Prem Kumar, who previously served as vice chairman of the academy and had taken charge on an interim basis after filmmaker Ranjith vacated the chairman's post.
Current academy leadership and council
The Academy's current administration includes Vice Chairperson Kukku Parameswaran, who also serves as General Secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and Secretary C. Ajoy, who continues to handle administrative affairs. The governing council features several well-known personalities from Malayalam cinema, including actors Nikhila Vimal, Sudheer Karamana, and Santhosh Keezhattoor, as well as filmmaker Amal Neerad, playback singer Sithara Krishnakumar, and screenwriter Syam Pushkaran.
IFFK controversy during Pookutty's tenure
Pookutty's tenure witnessed criticism during the 2025 edition of IFFK. Filmmaker Dr. Biju openly criticized the Academy and the state government over organizational issues. In a Facebook post, Dr. Biju referred to the academy chairman as a "dummy" and questioned his absence from the venue during the event. He also pointed out that the festival was conducted without an active academy chairman or artistic director.
Responding to the criticism, Pookutty later addressed the issue while speaking to media in Thiruvananthapuram. According to Asianet News, he explained that some foreign filmmakers were unable to attend because visa clearances had not been granted by the central government due to foreign policy reasons. Pookutty acknowledged that his absence had become a subject of criticism but maintained that he remained involved in the festival's functioning and participated in all major decisions.
