Did actor Venkatesh steal a script?

Hyderabad: Venkatesh and his director Maruthi launched their film Radha a few days ago, and during their press release, they credited Maruthi for the story, screenplay and dialogues as well. But now, highly-placed sources are claiming that the director and Venkatesh had actually stolen the story from a young writer named Surender Krishna.

The matter is currently under “discussion” with the Telugu Writers’ Association. But this is what is being alleged. Apparently, Maruthi had approached Venkatesh with an idea for a love story and the actor had asked him to develop it. Meanwhile, around the same time, Surender and a friend, director  Satish, also happened to meet Venkatesh over another story idea.

“The two narrated a love story around an MLA and Venky liked it and asked Surender to meet him again, later,” the source says.

In the mean time, Maruthi met Venky again with the revised version of his story and that was when the actor is believed to have passed on Surender’s MLA love story to Maruthi, asking him to develop it for them.

“They changed the title to Radha and the character of the MLA into a home minister,” the source says. Once the producers announced the film and shared story details, Surender is believed to have tried to get in touch with Venkatesh several times, but the actor apparently ignored him.

“Even Maruthi advised the writer to leave the matter alone and sit quiet as Tollywood biggies were involved. He expressed his inability to help them in the matter,” the source claims.

The writers have now approached the Telugu Writers Association and lodged an official complaint. In fact, Surender had registered the story with the Writers Association long ago.

When we contacted the association secretary Akella for a confirmation on the matter, he angrily responded with, “Yes, we received a complaint regarding the story of Radha. But how did this leak out to the press? We shouldn’t be speaking to the media when the case is still with us.”

Insiders also reveal that Paruchuri Gopalakrishna, president of the Telugu Writers Association, may extend his support to Venkatesh in this case.

A top director, on the condition of anonymity, points out, “Industry folk are always declaring that the film industry needs new blood and new subjects. But when they are approached by new people, they simply copy their ideas and send them off without a penny! Why can’t they pay and get the stories? Instead of resorting to stealing, why can’t they encourage young writers?”

As of now, the case is pending at the Writers Association and since the writer concerned doesn’t have any powerful connections, it’s anybody’s guess how the matter will end.