Thiruvananthapuram: Academy Award-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty has stepped down as the Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, following a change of government in the state.
Pookutty has tendered his resignation to the Chief Secretary.
With a new administration taking the reins, film personalities aligned with the Congress party are reportedly front-runners to succeed him.
Prominent names currently under discussion include the veteran actor Jagadish, who famously contested the 2016 assembly polls in Pathanapuram against K.B. Ganesh Kumar. Also in the running are the actor Salim Kumar, who campaigned extensively for the United Democratic Front (UDF) during the recent elections, and the filmmaker Deepu Karunakaran, who holds a leadership role within the Professionals' Congress.
Notably, former Vice Chairman Prem Kumar is also being considered for the top post. Kumar had previously stepped up as interim chairman following the controversial exit of director Ranjith. However, he recently severed ties with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to join the Congress, alleging he had been unceremoniously removed from his administrative duties without prior notice.
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The current executive of the state-backed film academy includes Vice Chairperson Kukku Parameswaran, who simultaneously serves as the General Secretary of the actors' association, AMMA, alongside Secretary C. Ajoy.
The rest of the academy's council comprises notable industry figures, including actors Nikhila Vimal, Sudheer Karamana, and Santhosh Keezhattoor, playback singer Sithara Krishnakumar, screenwriter Syam Pushkaran, and celebrated director Amal Neerad.