Producer Takes Legal Action Against Malicious Cyber Campaign
In a significant development that has shaken the Malayalam film industry, producer Sandeep Senan has officially filed a police complaint concerning coordinated cyberattacks targeting the recently released movie 'Vilayath Buddha'. The complaint, lodged at the Ernakulam North Police Station, specifically names a YouTube channel accused of spreading religious and political hatred under the false pretense of providing a genuine film review.
Distorted Narrative and Communal Polarization Alleged
According to the producer's formal statement to authorities, the controversial YouTube channel deliberately misrepresented the actual storyline of the film directed by Jayan Nambiar. Sandeep Senan alleges the channel's primary intention was to create polarization within society by launching a carefully orchestrated digital campaign against the project. The complaint details how the video in question significantly distorted the film's narrative, falsely branding the movie as politically motivated while simultaneously launching personal attacks against lead actor Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Senan has characterized these actions as nothing short of cyber terrorism, asserting that the channel made a conscious attempt to tarnish the film's hard-earned reputation while deliberately fueling communal discord among viewers. The timing of the video's emergence has raised serious questions, as it appeared on digital platforms within just 48 hours of the film's theatrical release, leaving the producer wondering how any objective verdict about the movie's failure could be delivered so rapidly.
Significant Financial Impact and Coordinated Attacks
The producer revealed the substantial financial dimensions of this controversy, explaining that he had invested approximately Rs 40 crore over five years to bring Vilayath Buddha to the screen. These malicious digital attacks and deliberately fake reviews have resulted in considerable financial losses for the production. Senan emphasized that the accusations promoted in the video encourage religious hostility within society, which has broader implications beyond mere box office performance.
The controversial content reportedly labels Prithviraj Sukumaran as supporting a particular political agenda, misleadingly suggesting that audience responses to the film are based primarily on the actor's perceived political views rather than the actual artistic merits or shortcomings of the cinematic work itself.
In response to the formal complaint, Kerala police have registered an official case and initiated a comprehensive investigation against the owners of the YouTube channel responsible for the controversial content.
Promo Song Creates Positive Buzz Amid Controversy
Even as this legal battle unfolds, the production team has released the much-anticipated promotional track Double Treble from Vilayath Buddha. The song, featuring vocals by Jakes Bejoy, Akhil Chand, and Rimi Tomy, has been generating significant positive attention across social media platforms. Adding considerable star power to the release, Prithviraj Sukumaran himself announced the song's launch on his official Instagram account with the message: Double Treble Promo Song Out Now!
This development comes as Prithviraj's previous project 'Empuraan' achieved superhit status despite facing mixed reviews and controversy regarding its thematic elements. The current situation highlights the increasing challenges film productions face in the digital age, where coordinated online campaigns can significantly impact a film's commercial success and public perception.
