Kannada Film's Promotional Event in Kochi Cancelled Following Scheduling Conflict with Mammootty's Press Conference
The promotional press meet for the upcoming Kannada film Koragajja faced an unexpected cancellation in Kochi after a competing press conference for Malayalam superstar Mammootty's film Chaathapach was allegedly scheduled at the same time and venue. This scheduling clash has created significant controversy within the South Indian film industry, highlighting the competitive nature of regional cinema promotions.
Last-Minute Cancellation Disrupts Well-Planned Event
The Koragajja team had meticulously planned their promotional event at a prominent Kochi hotel on January 24, with formal invitations distributed to media representatives a full week in advance. Actors Kabir Bedi and Bhavya had already arrived in the coastal city specifically for this promotional activity, demonstrating the production team's commitment to their marketing strategy.
However, on the eve of the scheduled event, Mammootty's team announced their own press conference for Chaathapach at precisely the same time, creating an unavoidable conflict. Director Sudheer Attavar and producer Trivikram Sapalya revealed they received a late-night telephone call requesting them to either cancel or postpone their carefully arranged event, forcing them into a difficult position.
Kabir Bedi Expresses Disappointment Over Incident
Veteran actor Kabir Bedi, who plays a significant role in Koragajja, expressed profound disappointment regarding the incident. "I'm a genuine fan of Malayalam films, and the language has won approximately twenty-five percent of India's prestigious national awards. I traveled to Kochi specifically for Koragajja's promotion out of deep respect for Malayalam cinema. This unfortunate incident represents a significant setback for professional courtesy within the industry," he stated emphatically.
Bedi further elaborated on the situation, suggesting, "Perhaps Mammootty himself wasn't aware of the scheduling conflict, but disrupting a press meet that was organized well in advance isn't appropriate professional conduct. The responsible parties should have consulted with media representatives or public relations officers before planning their event at the identical time, ensuring proper coordination and mutual respect."
Producer Highlights Regional Disparity in Support
Producer Trivikram Sapalya provided additional context, noting, "We received tremendous support and cooperation for our promotional activities across the entire country, with the sole exception being Kochi where this regrettable incident occurred. This regional disparity in professional courtesy has created unnecessary complications for our film's marketing campaign."
The incident raises important questions about:
- Professional ethics in film industry promotions
- Scheduling coordination between competing regional film industries
- Media management during overlapping promotional events
- Protocols for resolving such conflicts in the future
This scheduling clash between Kannada and Malayalam film promotions has sparked broader discussions about inter-regional cooperation within India's diverse cinematic landscape, potentially affecting future collaborative efforts between different film industries.
