Alencier makes ‘misogynistic’ comments during Kerala State Film Awards ceremony; Minister Bindu, others react

“I have a request. Do not tempt us by presenting statuettes modelled on women. We have a Chief Minister who is the epitome of masculine strength. So, we should be awarded with figurines that reflect the strength of a man,” he during the ceremony.

Alencier said he would stop acting on the day he received a male sculpture along with the award, news agency PTI reported.

“The Special Jury award carried a lot of weight. Don’t insult me and Kunchacko Boban by giving Rs 25,000. Please increase the amount”, he added.

Meanwhile, Alencier’s remarks soon went viral with many pointing out that his comments reeked of misogyny.

In response to the actor’s statements, Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu said that his remarks were a reflection of patriarchal consciousness.

“His remarks were a reflection of patriarchal consciousness and such a remark should not have been made at such a platform,” PTI quoted Bindu as saying.

Actor and trans rights activist Sheetal Shyam also lambasted Alencier and penned a long Facebook post narrating her experience working with him previously. Actor Santhosh Keezhattoor also denounced Alencier’s comments.

State Award-winning filmmaker Shruthi Sharanyam, who was present during the ceremony, also flayed Alencier’s comments and said: “During his inaugural address, the Chief Minister himself (Pinarayi Vijayan) had emphasised that films that undermine women’s empowerment and celebrate patriarchy should not be promoted.”

“Here, we have a state government that allocates funds for women to make films and encourages women’s film ventures. Yet, how can Alencier speak so irresponsibly and that too on such a platform? It’s a shame,” Shruthi noted while posting a couple of pictures of her flaunting the Kerala State Film Awards statuette she received on the occasion.

Criticising Alencier vehemently, actor Hareesh Peradi said: “If the mere sight of a trophy modelled on the female body makes you feel aroused, it is a sign of acute mental illness… There are many mental health centres in Kerala to treat it…”

Back in 2018, actor Divya Gopinath, who worked with Alencier in the movie Aabhaasam, had levelled sexual harassment allegations against him. He had tendered an apology later.

Earlier this year, the actor had created another controversy by making comments about the rape case involving a bishop in Kerala.

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