Veteran Malayalam film director Siby Malayil has criticised producer Sandra Thomas over her dispute with B Unnikrishnan, general secretary of FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala).
Addressing a news conference, Sibi Malayil said that it was not FEFKA that should settle Sandra’s complaint. He also said that Unnikrishnan would personally fight the case against him. “There is no need to expel Unnikrishnan from FEFKA based on a discussion in the producers’ association where a complaint was raised against him in his absence,” said Sibi Malayil.

At the press meeting, he also discussed about the issues between Sandra and directors Midhun Manuel Thomas and Jude Anthany Joseph. “There is a move to target Unnikrishnan. However, the real target is FEFKA. We know who all are behind this move,” said Sibi Malayil. “But Unnikrishnan will deal with the case against him in his personal capacity. That is his personal matter,” he said.

“At the same time, Sandra Thomas, who raised allegations against FEFKA and filed a case, is not a member of our association. She should raise her complaints with the producers’ association,” said the noted director. Sibi pointed out that Sandra was bringing up all allegations against Unnikrishnan even though he never interfered in her problems or participated in the discussions of the producers’ association.

He revealed it was Unnikrishnan who found solutions to complaints and grievances Sandra had with members of FEFKA. “We made compensation available for her in many cases. Moreover, we never announced noncooperation with Sandra,” said Sibi Malayil. He alleged that Sandra had demanded Rs one crore as compensation for the film Joothan’, announced with Bhadran as director, but was later shelved. “That issue was settled based on the agreement that director Bhadran would pay Sandra Rs 15 lakh whenever the project is taken by any producer,” he said.

Sibi also said that Sandra had a dispute with Midhun Manuel Thomas and Jude Anthany Joseph over 'Ohm Shanthi Oshaana'. “Sandra had to withdraw as a producer of the movie and we held a meeting to discuss the issue in which I too was present. Finally, we found a solution whereby Midhun returned Rs 7 lakh to Sandra,” he said. According to Sibi, FEFKA also arranged to return Rs 7 lakh from Jude to Sandra.

As part of the settlement deal, Midhun directed the movie ‘Aadu’ produced by Sandra without taking any fee, said Sibi. He also said Sandra demanded an apology from Midhun, which was arranged by FEFKA.

"I am surprised that Sandra, who raised several complaints before the FEFKA and also raised allegations against the organisation, never submitted a single complaint to the producers’ association.

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