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“Manjummel Boys,” a Malayalam survival thriller starring Soubin Shahir and Sreenath Bhasi, has been making headlines for reasons beyond its box-office success. Directed by Chidambaram and inspired by a true story, the film follows a group of friends on a perilous vacation in Kodaikanal. The movie’s ensemble cast includes Balu Varghese, Ganapathi S. Poduval, Lal Jr., and more. Despite becoming the highest-grossing Malayalam film, earning over Rs 200 crore, surpassing “2018,” India’s official entry to the 2024 Academy Awards, the film’s producers now face legal troubles.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
A recent report by Manorama Online has brought to light serious accusations against the film’s producers, Soubin Shahir, his father Babu Shahir and Shawn Antony. According to the report, they are accused of defrauding the film’s investor, Siraj Valiyathara, who financed the film with Rs 7 crore. The Kerala Police’s investigation revealed that this initial investment had not been repaid, leading to accusations of an intentional scam by the producers. As the police filed statements opposing their anticipatory bail pleas, the producers sought court protection, which has extended their non-arrest order until June 5th.
Investor’s Claims and Court Proceedings
Siraj Valiyathara, a seafood exporter, claims that he was promised 40% of the film’s profits, which has not been fulfilled despite the movie’s massive earnings. The police’s statement to the High Court emphasised the suspicious actions of the accused, suggesting an intention to cheat the investor. In response, Advocate Thomas J Anakkallunkal, representing the petitioners, argued that the allegations were merely an attempt to pressure the producers into settling a civil dispute. The court’s extension of the order preventing their arrest has temporarily shielded the producers, but the legal battle is far from over.
Ilayaraja’s Legal Notice Over Song Rights
Adding to the film’s controversies, veteran music director Ilayaraja has issued a legal notice to the producers for the unauthorised use of his song “Kanmani Anbodu Kaadhalan” from the 1991 film “Guna.” Ilayaraja asserts his legal, moral, and special rights over the composition, claiming it was used without his consent in “Manjummel Boys.” This legal notice targets Soubin Shahir, Babu Shahir, and Shawn Antony, demanding accountability for what he considers a breach of his musical rights.
Producers Defend Their Actions
Producer Shawn Antony has publicly refuted Ilayaraja’s claims, stating that the song’s rights were duly acquired from the respective music companies. According to Antony, Parava Films obtained the rights from Pyramid Audios and Sri Devi Sounds, who held the Tamil and Telugu rights respectively. Antony insists that no legal notice from Ilayaraja has been received, and the song was used legally in all the languages in which “Manjummel Boys” was released.
Future Implications
As the legal proceedings continue, the future of “Manjummel Boys” and its producers hangs in the balance. The controversy has not only cast a shadow over the film’s success but also highlighted the complexities and potential pitfalls of the film industry. The outcome of these legal disputes will be closely watched by industry insiders and fans alike, potentially setting precedents for future dealings in film production and intellectual property rights.
