Poet, lyricist and producer Sreekumaran Thampi has come out in support of renowned filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan amid the controversy over his recent statement. The matter is related to the Kerala government's scheme under which filmmakers from underprivileged sections are given financial assistance of Rs 1.5 crore for filmmaking.

At an event last Sunday, Adoor Gopalakrishnan had said that the amount given by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) is not giving the desired results. He suggested that this amount should be reduced or there should be a change in its distribution. After this statement of his, many people criticized him.

However, on Tuesday, senior Malayalam poet, lyricist and filmmaker Sreekumaran Thampi defended Adoor Gopalakrishnan, saying, "He is a Dada Saheb Phalke Award winner and one of the greatest filmmakers of the country. What is wrong in his statement? The government gives Rs 1.5 crore to encourage filmmakers from underprivileged sections. This is public money."

Thampi further said that there is absolutely nothing wrong in assessing eligibility before disbursing the amount. “We cannot give public money to anyone just like that. If someone wants to make films, he should first be given the necessary training, only then should the funds be given.”

He also clarified that Adoor Gopalakrishnan did not name women or Dalit filmmakers in his statement. He only said that those who are taking government grants should have adequate knowledge of cinema. In the words of Thampi, “A camera is not a toy.”