Oscar-winning sound designer Dr. Resul Pookutty has assumed charge as Chairperson of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, with filmmaker Cuckoo Parameswaran as Vice Chairperson. Their leadership marks a new era for Malayalam cinema, focusing on creativity, inclusivity, and global collaboration while strengthening Kerala’s film education and cultural initiatives.
A new chapter in Kerala’s cinematic journey began this week as the newly constituted General Council of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy officially assumed office. At the heart of this transition stands Academy Award-winning sound designer Dr. Resul Pookutty, CAS MPSE, who has taken charge as the Chairperson, alongside Smt. Cuckoo Parameswaran, who steps in as the Vice Chairperson.
The ceremony, held at the Academy’s headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram, was marked by optimism, cultural camaraderie, and a sense of renewal. For many in Kerala’s creative community, this change signals not just an administrative shift but the beginning of a vision shaped by artistry, inclusivity, and innovation.
Resul Pookutty, celebrated worldwide for his pathbreaking work in Slumdog Millionaire—which earned him the Academy Award for Best Sound Mixing in 2009—is no stranger to inspiring transformations. His journey from Vilakkupara, a small village in Kerala’s Kollam district, to the global stage of Hollywood has long been a story of resilience, passion, and perfection. As he now steps into a leadership role in his home state’s film academy, many see it as a full-circle moment.
“Cinema has always been my language of empathy and connection,” Resul once said in an interview. That sentiment resonates deeply with his new position, where nurturing talent and preserving Kerala’s cinematic heritage will be as important as pushing the boundaries of sound, storytelling, and technology.
Joining him is Cuckoo Parameswaran, a prominent filmmaker, writer, and actor known for her work across theatre, television, and film. Her career reflects a commitment to authentic narratives and the empowerment of women in media. As Vice Chairperson, her presence signals a move toward more inclusive and gender-sensitive perspectives within the Academy.
The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, established in 1998, has been a crucial institution in supporting Malayalam cinema and promoting film literacy. It organizes the internationally acclaimed International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) and various film education programs. Over the years, it has also been a space for dialogue between independent filmmakers, technicians, and audiences — something both Resul and Cuckoo are expected to strengthen further.
Glimpses from the assumption ceremony revealed an atmosphere of unity and enthusiasm. Members of the film fraternity, academy staff, and media professionals gathered to witness the symbolic moment of handover. The exchange of ideas was lively — filled with reflections on the evolving landscape of cinema in the age of streaming, AI, and global collaboration.
Resul’s appointment comes at a time when Malayalam cinema has been experiencing a creative resurgence. With a new generation of filmmakers, technicians, and storytellers pushing the boundaries of realism and narrative experimentation, the Academy’s leadership under a global artist like him could further amplify Kerala’s presence on the world stage.
Beyond his Oscar glory, Resul’s body of work includes a wide range of acclaimed films — Pazhassi Raja, Enthiran, Highway, Gour Hari Dastaan, and Pulimurugan — each marked by an extraordinary sensitivity to sound as an emotional medium. His long-standing advocacy for professional training and better working conditions for film technicians also aligns closely with the Academy’s educational mission.
Equally noteworthy is Cuckoo Parameswaran’s long engagement with Malayalam television and her creative direction in projects that foreground cultural narratives. Her insight into the audience’s pulse and her artistic sensibility will likely complement Resul’s global perspective, balancing vision with local relevance.
As the new leadership takes charge, expectations run high that the Academy will strengthen its support for regional filmmakers, expand training programs, and explore new partnerships in digital and international spaces. Conversations are already stirring about fostering exchange programs with global film schools, digitizing archives, and creating mentorship networks for aspiring artists.
The symbolic weight of this moment cannot be understated. The Kerala State Chalachitra Academy has often mirrored the state’s evolving relationship with art, technology, and cultural identity. Having a sound designer at its helm — someone who built his career by listening deeply to silence, rhythm, and nuance — hints at an era where the Academy might focus more on the subtler, often unheard dimensions of cinema.
For those who have followed Resul Pookutty’s career since his Oscar win, his new role feels like a continuation of his lifelong dialogue with sound and society. His humility, dedication, and belief in cinema as a tool for human connection have consistently inspired peers and students alike.
As he steps into this new chapter, the Malayalam film community looks forward with renewed hope — that under the stewardship of Resul and Cuckoo, the Academy will not only celebrate Kerala’s cinematic past but also chart bold, innovative paths for its future.
