Film director Shamsudheen, better known as Shamzu Zayba, has been arrested in connection with an alleged financial fraud relating to the Malayalam romantic drama Abhilasham, following a complaint by the producer. The complaint was filed by Ann Sariga Antony, Managing Partner of Second Show Productions, the banner under which the film was produced. Thrippunithura Hill Palace Police have registered a case against six people, including the director. Charges invoked include provisions under the Copyright Act and the Cinematography Act, as well as allegations of cheating and criminal conspiracy.
According to the complaint, Shamzu had assured the producers that Abhilasham would be completed on a budget of ₹2.25 crore. However, the producers allege that the shoot was deliberately delayed, resulting in total expenditure rising to ₹3.25 crore. They claim a direct financial loss of ₹97 lakh and an additional business loss of ₹2 crore, amounting to a total alleged loss of ₹4 crore.
The complainant has further alleged that the director took possession of the hard disk containing the film’s master print without authorisation. It is also alleged that, after the film's completion, the master output was handed over to another party without the producer’s consent. The complaint was lodged at the Thrippunithura Hill Palace Police Station on February 2. The arrest was made on the basis of this complaint. Police have indicated that further action will be taken against the remaining accused.
Abhilasham, released in March 2025, featured Saiju Kurup, Tanvi Ram and Arjun Ashokan in lead roles. The film, scripted by Jenith Kachappilly, was reportedly a commercial failure.
