A feud is raging between the filmmaker and producer of the forthcoming big-budget movie ' Mamangam'. The film ironically depicts a medieval fair which is also famed for a series of battles among the local chieftains. Starring megastar Mammootty in the lead role, the period drama tells the tale of the warriors of Valluvanadu.
The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) has decided not to intervene in the row. The association came up with this decision as Sajeev Pillai, who was initially chosen as the director, failed to inform them that he has already initiated legal action against the movie producer Venu Kunnapally. Pointing it out, FEFKA has already sent a letter to Sajeev.
FEFKA noted that the filmmaker has tarnished the image of the association through the media. Besides, it has been found out that Sajeev has signed a clause which clearly stated that the producer has the right to change the director at any point of time.
The movie hit the headlines after Sajeev revealed that its shooting began without him to which the producer responded saying that he was not at all impressed with the test footage'.
Earlier, young actor Dhruv, who has worked hard for a year, preparing for the role of a warrior in the film, was excluded from the project. Soon cinematographer Ganesh Rajavelu, art director Sunil Babu and costume designer Anu Vardhan too were shown the doors. Sajeev, reportedly, was unaware about the producer’s decision to oust them.
Kunnappally said that he wasn’t interested in creating controversies and that he was focused on completing the filming of the movie. Probably, this is first time that that a Malayalam film producer has come out with a public response after being accused of high handedness by the director.
“I am not interested in creating controversies anymore. Completing the film is the producer’s priority now. Discussions were held with the director many times. Crores of rupees were spent for long schedules of filming. He didn’t agree to bring in a creative director either. Many discussions were conducted with the association as well. We were, however, firm in our decision to replace the director. The producer has all the rights over the script. Besides, I also have the right to change the director. We don't know why he has sent a legal notice. He has also tried to tarnish my image through social media,” noted Kunnappally in a press release.
Veteran director M Padmakumar now helms the project instead of Sajeev Pillai. The makers are determined to complete the filming of the movie and release it as soon as possible.
