The other day, we reported about writer-director B Unnikrishnan criticising Biju Menon for his lack of participation in film promotions. Naming the actor in a recent press conference, Unnikrishnan, who is also the FEFKA General Secretary, revealed that Biju Menon's actions have led to a loss of 25 lakh to a producer and FEFKA member and amount to a failure of adhering to contractual commitments.
Recently, actor-filmmaker Anoop Menon offered some clarity on the controversy. Anoop said that while the promotional commitment may be part of film contracts, these agreements do not generally specify the dates of the said activities. "What if the actor is shooting a film in Jammu and Kashmir at that time for ten days? Should the actor not be there at the time?" Anoop argued.
Anoop also pointed out that films might not release at the same time as producers promise. He highlighted the element of mutual trust that plays a part in the collaboration between actors and filmmakers.
The actor-screenwriter-director said that the money that a producer invests in the marketing activities of a film also plays a role in the amount of time its actors spend in the activities thereof. "When there is such a symbiotic relationship between producers and artists, every artist comes for promotions," Anoop explained.
However, he said that if the artist is out of station for another film, it would affect that project and the relationship between the actor in question and the other producer. Noting that there are multiple aspects to consider before judging anyone, Anoop said that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to such agreements.
Recently starred in director Jeethu Joseph's Valathu Vashathe Kallan, alongside Joju George, Biju Menon is yet to offer a response to Unnikrishnan's allegations.
