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Last Updated Thursday December 03 2020 06:49 AM IST

'Sudani' hits out at film producers over 'racial discrimination'

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'Sudani' hits out at film producers over 'racial discrimination' Samuel Abiola Robinson (right) with producers of 'Sudani From Nigeria' Shyju Khalid and Sameer Thahir. Photo: Facebook/Samuel Abiola Robinson

Kochi: Samuel Abiola Robinson, who is better known as 'Sudani' after the success of his debut Malayalam film Sudani From Nigeria, has slammed the producers of the movie for racial discrimination. He alleged that he was paid 'far less money than some others who were not half as popular as himself.'

Samuel, the Nigerian who essayed the title role in Zakaria Muhammed's Sudani From Nigeria, said he kept mum when he was in Kerala because he was trying to be 'patient.'

The actor said he realised that he was being underpaid only when he 'met some young actors of the industry.'

"I'm of the opinion that this happened purely because of my skin colour and the assumption that all Africans are poor and don't know the value of money," he said in his Facebook post.

The film was produced by Sameer Thahir and Shyju Khalid.

Here is the complete text of his post:

"Hello everyone, I would like to shed light on a particular subject.

Actually the truth is that I did experience racial discrimination from producers in Kerala... I didn't want to say anything before because I was trying to be patient but now I am ready to speak up.

I'm saying this now because I cannot sit back and allow it happen to another helpless young black actor.

I believe that I was a victim of racial discrimination while in Kerala. It was nothing violent or directly in my face but for my role in Sudani from Nigeria, the producers offered me far less money than Indian actors who are not half as popular or accomplished as I am would normally earn. I only became better enlightened after meeting with several young actors and discussing payment with them. I am of the opinion that this happened purely because of my skin colour and the assumption that all Africans are poor and don't know the value of money. The director and writer Zakariya did his best to help but as he was not financing the movie himself, there was very little change he could foster. Zakariya is a good guy with a good heart and a brilliant director. Promises were made to me by the producers while shooting to pay me more if the movie eventually becomes successful but no promise has been honoured and now I am back in Nigeria. I believe the promises were simply tools of manipulation to get me to eagerly commit the 5 months of availability for work being October, November, December 2017, January and March 2018 for the shoot and promotion of the movie. The movie is a huge commercial success now and I am grateful for all the love that the fans have shown me and I have been privileged to experience the warm culture of Kerala but I can no longer suffer in silence about this. As I am black, it is my responsibility to speak up because it could ease the suffering of the next generation of black actors. Say no to racial or caste discrimination.

Samuel Abiola Robinson."

However, some of the fans from Kerala, who were unhappy over his allegations, commented saying that this was not a case of racial discrimination. Though some of them had sympathised with Samuels for being cheated by the producers, they said this happened in the industry all the time and cannot say it was because of skin colour as the actor alleged.

Seeing the 'negative comments,' Samuel again took to Facebook clarifying that he believed that the producers decided to pay less as he was from Nigeria.

"I do not think that Kerala people are racist as I experienced no such racist treatment from the general Kerala public. I very much enjoyed my stay in Kerala, the culture, the Biryani and all,” he said.

"I'm offended and feel that it is unfair that I should have this much unexpected scrutiny on my activity and general life without the cushion of decent financial payments which could have easily been afforded by the producers.

"I consider this particular treatment to be racial discrimination because even the least experienced Indian new comer in Malayalam industry would be paid considerably more than what I was which would go a long way to cushion the sudden and intense popularity precipitated by a big budget movie's publicity," he said.

Here is the full text of his second post:

"I have received a lot of negative comments on my previous statement on Facebook.

I was paid far less than the Malayalam newcomers are normally paid, this is factual. I accepted this amount; less than my usual quote in Nigeria because I was under the impression that it was a very small budget independent movie. Several citations off the internet confirm that this movie was in fact moderately budgeted. I have wholeheartedly supported the promotion of the movie in expectation of a positive financial compensation before returning to Nigeria as was promised. The movie has already nearly doubled its budget at the box office in just 7 days due to the successful promotions.

I do not think that Kerala people are racist as I experienced no such racist treatment from the general Kerala public. I very much enjoyed my stay in Kerala, the culture, the Biryani and all.

I am offended and feel that it is unfair that I should have this much unexpected scrutiny on my activity and general life without the cushion of decent financial payments which could have easily been afforded by the producers.

I consider this particular treatment to be racial discrimination because even the least experienced Indian new comer in Malayalam industry would be paid considerably more than what I was which would go a long way to cushion the sudden and intense popularity precipitated by a big budget movie's publicity.

I Love You Kerala and I very much appreciate your continued support.

Samuel Abiola Robinson."

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