Artists express themselves in unusual venues, such as police stations: Saji Cheriyan on Vinayakan

In response to the recent incident involving acclaimed actor Vinayakan at Ernakulam north police station, Kerala’s Cultural Affairs Minister, Saji Cheriyan, offered a unique perspective, choosing to interpret the event as a form of “artistic expression.” When questioned by journalists, the minister underscored the inherently creative nature of artists and encouraged viewing the incident through the lens of artwork.

“Vinayakan is an artist. Let’s perceive this incident as a work of art. There’s no need to single it out for scrutiny. Artists express themselves in various ways, and sometimes, it occurs even in unexpected places like a police station. There’s no reason for us to dwell on it,” Minister Cheriyan stated.

Vinayakan was recently booked by Kochi police for allegedly causing a disturbance at the police station. The incident sparked a mixed response, with some social media users supporting the actor, contending that the police misbehaved with him, while others criticized both Vinayakan, known for his role in ‘Jailer,’ and the government for not taking what they deemed as sufficient action against him.

Addressing concerns about “review bombing” to disparage films, the minister highlighted that the matter is currently under consideration by the Kerala High Court, and the government is committed to abiding by the court’s decisions. A specific police protocol, aligned with the High Court’s instructions, has been formulated and submitted for review, Minister Saji Cheriyan added.