A fresh controversy has erupted in the Malayalam film industry, involving writer Abhilash Pillai and actor Unni Mukundan, best known for his role in the blockbuster film 'Malikappuram'. The dispute centers on allegations made by producer Murali Kunnumpurath regarding the direction of the film.
Producer Murali Kunnumpurath's Claims
The controversy began when producer Murali Kunnumpurath stated in an interview with News Malayalam 24*7 that 'Malikappuram' was ghost-directed by Unni Mukundan. He also revealed that he had suffered financial losses from other projects, including 'Nadhikalil Sundari Yamuna' and 'Sumathi Valavu'. These statements were soon challenged by director Vishnu Sasi Shankar and writer Abhilash Pillai.
Vishnu Sasi Shankar's Response
During a press interaction, Vishnu Sasi Shankar clarified his position on the matter. He acknowledged Unni Mukundan as someone who had previously provided strong emotional and professional support. However, he hinted that the ongoing situation may have arisen from differences of opinion. Vishnu also expressed suspicion that Unni Mukundan could be indirectly linked to the current developments surrounding Murali and the 'Sumathi Valavu' controversy.
Unni Mukundan's 'Ghost' Post Sparks Debate
On the same day, Unni Mukundan shared a social media post that drew widespread attention. He uploaded a picture on Instagram with the caption “Ghost”. Many users interpreted this as a subtle reference to the ghost directing allegations tied to 'Malikappuram'.
Abhilash Pillai Alleges PR Campaign and Interference
During a press conference in Kochi, writer Abhilash Pillai strongly criticized Unni Mukundan. He stated that efforts to damage the careers of filmmakers and technicians were unacceptable. Abhilash accused the actor of claiming credit for successful films while blaming failures on directors. He also alleged that Unni Mukundan attempted to interfere with Vishnu’s upcoming Tamil project.
Abhilash further claimed that a coordinated PR campaign was being used against them. He said, “We often approach PR teams for film promotions. We pay them to even post our film posters on social media. The same PR teams, for the past two days, are now doing ‘great work’ to destroy us. The latest news we saw is that Unni Mukundan directed ‘Malikappuram.’ Honestly, I was shocked to see this. I don’t understand this trend where all successful films are said to be directed by Unni Mukundan, while the failures are attributed to other directors.”
Abhilash added, “A young man’s life is being destroyed here. There is a massive PR campaign claiming that Vishnu doesn’t know direction and that Unni Mukundan made the film. I can tell you what Unni Mukundan’s role was in ‘Sumathi Valavu.’ Before the shoot of this film, Murali chettan called me and said, ‘There’s a small issue. Unni called me and said you shouldn’t do this film, he doesn’t know direction.’ I told him not to say that, and that he could ask anyone else who worked in ‘Malikappuram.’ We even called a few people who worked on the film right then. Murali chettan himself said it might have been said out of jealousy.”
“During this issue, I came to know that Unni called Murali chettan and gave dates for his next film, which is a good thing. But if that is the case, there were films released between ‘Malikappuram’ and ‘Marco’ that incurred losses, and their producers are also here. Unni should visit their homes too and give them dates as well,” Abhilash concluded.
Meanwhile, Unni Mukundan's 'Malikappuram' turned out to be a blockbuster, while Vishnu's next film 'Sumathi Valavu' received mixed reviews from the audience.
