It is best in today’s state-of-affairs to avoid making social comments a la Sukumar Azhikode, Writer M. Mukundan says.
“I would have liked to make social comments like Sukumar Azhikode did. But I can’t. No writer can, in the present scenario where the over-politicised readers are itching to brand us on the basis of politics, caste and religion, as soon as we make a comment”, said writer M. Mukundan.
The writer was interacting with readers at a function organised by Olive Publications in Kozhikode on Saturday. According to him, Azhikode has left a void that might not get filled, as one could not make an independent comment these days for fear of how it would be interpreted.
Mr. Mukundan expressed his anxiety over the issues that plague his native place Mahe these days, including the increasing presence of clueless drunkards.
“I have gone to many countries where liquor is as easily available in shops. But no where have I seen people so lost in alcohol, like in Kerala or Mahe. “To drink or not to drink is one’s personal freedom. But there is some decency to be maintained, whatever is the case”, he said.
He said writers would lose focus if they got involved in politics and that it was better if they limited their politics to sharing ideologies. Keralites are more environmentally conscious these days, he said and appreciated writer-activist Sugathakumari’s contribution in bringing about that awareness.
Defending the literary fraternity against allegations that they were hesitant to respond to social issues, Mr. Mukundan said, “One cannot force a writer to respond. Their responsibility is to write and their responses will be reflected in their writing. Don’t rely on the writers to emancipate and inspire you. There should be a combined effort.” Literature is not an easy field to make a living from, he said.
Converting literary works into cinema is another topic he felt strongly against. Very often, large portions of the works are cut off to squeeze the plot into the movie’s time limit, and this was painful for the writer, he said.
Says no writer can make social comments, like Azhikode did, in the present scenario.
