Producer-actor Sandra Thomas has hit back at Friday Film House co-founder Vijay Babu, describing his remarks on her eligibility to contest for top Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) posts as “certain baseless conspiracies” that should be treated “as a joke”.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Sandra pointed out that Vijay had himself acknowledged she was managing partner of Friday Film House until 2016, during which time the company’s censorship certificates were issued in her name. She said she had made no claim over the firm since leaving, but under KFPA bye-laws, she is legally entitled to contest for key positions as a regular member based on those credits.
“The issue is not whether I left the partnership, but that I was managing partner until 2016, an undisputed fact,” she wrote. “The law does not examine Vijay Babu’s certificate but rather the matters outlined in the association’s bylaws, and how they are viewed legally will be assessed by the court”. She also warned those “speaking on behalf of others” to be mindful to avoid becoming a “laughingstock in society”. Friday Film House, during Sandra’s tenure alongside Vijay, produced noted films including Philips and the Monkey Pen (2013), Peruchazhi (2014), Aadu Oru Bheegara Jeevi Aanu (2015) and Adi Kapyare Kootamani (2015).
Sandra’s rebuttal comes amid a year-long tussle with KFPA leadership over transparency, gender discrimination and election rules, which has spiralled into multiple legal battles. Last week, she clarified that veteran actor Mammootty’s request for her to withdraw a case referred to the sexual harassment complaint she filed last October against KFPA office-bearers. The case’s chargesheet, filed in April, names KFPA president Anto Joseph and three others as accused. She maintains that her current candidacy fully complies with KFPA rules, with the High Court set to rule on the matter on August 11.
