The glitz and glamour of the silver screen often overshadow the tumultuous undertakings behind the scenes. Such is the case with the Malayalam film industry’s recent sensation, ‘Manjummel Boys,’ which, despite its box office success, is bringing its producers under legal scrutiny. The Maradu Police in Kerala have registered a case against the producers for alleged cheating relating to financial disputes with an investor.
The case was lodged on April 23, pursuant to directives from the Ernakulam First Class Magistrate Court, which also ordered the freezing of the bank accounts of the producers. The complaint was filed by Siraj Valiyathara Hameed, who accused the producers of not providing the promised 40% share of the profits from the film’s earnings. This legal entanglement has come just as the film celebrated overwhelming financial returns, grossing over ₹200 crore, a figure touted by the producers themselves, marking a massive success in both the local Kerala market and neighboring Tamil Nadu.
Shawn Antony, a partner in Parava Films, the film’s production company which is structured as a limited liability partnership, as well as actor-producer Soubin Shahir and Babu Shahir, have been named defendants in the case.
The financial arrangement that is now the source of the legal battle was initially settled on November 30, 2022. The plaintiff, Mr. Hameed, was to receive a considerable portion of the profits in return for his investment. His investment included a total transfer of ₹5.99 crore to the account of Parava Films and another ₹50 lakh directly to Mr. Antony’s personal account. Additionally, ₹51 lakh was collected in cash over time, culminating in a sum of ₹7 crore lent to the producers.
However, the accusation now stands that the substantial investment and the subsequent promise of profit sharing, supposedly amounting to ₹40 crore, has not been delivered by the producers, thereby allegedly defrauding Mr. Hameed to a sum of ₹47 crore.
Delving into the filed First Information Report (FIR), the police have cited various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) including Section 120b for criminal conspiracy, Section 406 for criminal breach of trust, Section 420 for cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, Section 468 for forgery for the purpose of cheating, and Section 34 for acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention. These allegations paint a bleak picture of what seems to have been a successful cinematic venture.
Soaring high on the wings of its acclaimed theatrical run, ‘Manjummel Boys’ brought a fresh wave of excitement to Malayalam cinema, pulling in audiences with its engaging narrative and captivating performances. Yet, the behind-the-scenes drama has unfolded into a real-world controversy mirroring the complex storylines often depicted on screen.
As authorities proceed with the investigation, the unfolding events serve a stark reminder that the mechanics of filmmaking extend far beyond the director calling ‘cut.’ Contracts, business dealings, and the delicate balance of trust come to the forefront, belying the jovial images of stars and producers basking in the applause of premiere nights.
The future of ‘Manjummel Boys’ and its producers hangs in balance as the judicial process takes its course, and the spotlight shifts from box office charts to courtroom deliberations. Whether this case will conclude with a twist befitting a film noir or an open-and-shut scenario remains to be seen in the coming days as the Kerala film industry watches on with bated breath.
