In a dramatic turn of events, acclaimed Malayalam director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan has made a bold move by releasing his film “Vazhakku” for free online, sparking controversy amidst a feud with the film’s producer and lead actor, Tovino Thomas.
The dispute between Sanal Kumar Sasidharan and Tovino Thomas revolves around the delayed release of “Vazhakku,” with Sanal accusing Tovino of obstructing the film’s theatrical and OTT release to protect his career interests. Sanal’s allegations surfaced through a detailed Malayalam note on Facebook, where he expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in releasing the film, which was completed in 2021 after production in 2020.
Sanal’s post suggested that Tovino’s rising star status during the film’s production might have led to apprehensions about potential backlash if “Vazhakku” had been released earlier. The film had garnered praise at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), further adding to the anticipation surrounding its official release.
In response, Tovino Thomas conducted an Instagram live session alongside Sanal’s cousin and co-producer of “Vazhakku,” Girish Chandran. Tovino refuted Sanal’s claims, stating that he had invested significantly in the film’s production and was committed to supporting the director’s vision. He also mentioned proposing participation in prestigious film festivals like MAMI, which Sanal allegedly rejected due to concerns about leaks and creative control.
The feud escalated when Sanal Kumar Sasidharan countered Tovino’s statements with another Facebook post, highlighting discrepancies in Tovino’s narrative and defending his own actions regarding the film’s release. To demonstrate his commitment to audiences and cinema, Sanal uploaded “Vazhakku” on Vimeo for free viewing, urging viewers to understand the reasons behind the film’s delayed release.
This clash between directorial vision, creative control, and career considerations underscores the complexities within the film industry. As audiences engage with “Vazhakku” online, the controversy surrounding its release adds layers to the film’s narrative, making it a subject of interest and debate among cinephiles and industry observers alike.
Sources By Agencies
