Top

‘I never got the 10 crores’

Controversy arises from release of Kamal’s 2015 film Uttama Villain

Kamal Haasan denies he has had anything to do with film producer Gnanavel Raja. A statement to that effect coming out of Kamal’s production company, Raaj Kamal Films International, on Saturday, tries to clear up the issue made by KE Gnanvel Raja of Studio Green Banner who filed a complaint with Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC) against Kamal stating the actor had not returned Rs 10 crore.

Kamal had borrowed from him at the time of the release of his 2015 film Uttama Villain.

It has been asserted on behalf of Kamal that the accusations are false and that they are being made now by vested interests. The note from N.V. Narayanan, CEO of Kamal Haasan’s production company, denied all allegations levelled against them.

Gnanavel RajaGnanavel Raja

“Raaj Kamal Films had got into an arrangement with Tirrupathi Brothers Film Media Private Limited (sic) to produce Uttama Villain on a first copy basis. So there is no basis to say Gnanavel paid Kamal to get the film released. Also, there's no personal association between Gnanavel Raja and Kamal Haasan in any manner.”

The note goes on to reveal that Kamal had allotted dates and agreed to make himself available for a story discussion with Thirrupathi Brothers in the second week of May 2015. “However, in spite of RKFI following up, Thirrupathi Brothers did not revert to them and the story never took off. This news about Gnanavel Raja having paid Kamal Haasan Rs 10 Crores towards the release of Uttama Villain is being instigated now to deliberately tarnish his image.”

The actor is said to be contemplating legal action against those trying to defame his and Raaj Kamal Film’s reputation. Uttama Villian, written by Kamal, was a comedy drama and directed by actor Ramesh Aravind. The film was presented by N Lingusamy in association with Kamal and produced by S Chandrahasan for Raaj Kamal Films International and N Subash Chandrabose for Thirrupathi Brothers Film Media. Earlier, speaking to this newspaper, Gnanavel had said that he did file a complaint with TFPC, but refused divulge any more information.

Next Story