Production controller and producer NM Badusha publicly addressed the ongoing controversy involving actor Hareesh Kanaran on Sunday, firmly denying allegations of financial wrongdoing and claims that he played a role in having the actor removed from Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM). The press conference marked Badusha’s first detailed response to the accusations.
Speaking to the media, Badusha said he had initially chosen to remain silent until the release of his film Rachel, but decided to come forward as the situation had “gone beyond control”, with his family facing sustained online abuse and cyber attacks. “The issue has been worsening day by day. I felt I could no longer remain silent,” he said.
At the heart of the dispute is Hareesh’s allegation that Badusha borrowed ₹20 lakh from him several years ago and failed to repay the amount in full, subsequently sidelining him from ARM despite confirming a 40-day call sheet. Badusha categorically rejected the claim, stating that Hareesh was the one who had lodged the complaint and that the ₹20 lakh figure was “entirely false”.
According to Badusha, the film in question was a large-scale production with heavy expenditure on technical departments, leaving limited scope to pay artistes full remuneration. He said this was communicated transparently to the cast at the outset. “Senior actors like Jagadish and Surabhi (Lakshmi) were informed in advance. They agreed to be part of the film for the strength of the project and their roles, not for money,” he said.
Addressing Hareesh’s removal from ARM, Badusha said the actor had initially demanded ₹15 lakh, while the production could only afford ₹5 lakh. He claimed that the producer, Zachariah Thomas, eventually decided to replace Hareesh and instructed the director to cast another actor. Badusha added that the director had attempted to contact Hareesh multiple times on the night the decision was taken, but received no response. “That is how he lost the film,” he said, disputing claims that the actor was dropped without communication.
Responding to allegations that he deliberately blocked Hareesh’s career opportunities, Badusha said he had managed the actor’s dates for nearly five years and worked with him on approximately 72 films without ever charging a fee. “Ask him if I ever took money for my work. I never did,” he said, adding that their professional relationship was built on mutual trust.
Badusha also offered a detailed account of the financial transactions between them. He said Hareesh had given him ₹10 lakh during a period of personal financial difficulty, supported by a bank statement. A subsequent ₹4 lakh payment, Badusha claimed, was returned the very next day, while other amounts were taken back by Hareesh on different occasions. “The claim that I took ₹20 lakh from him is a blatant lie. I have documentary proof for every transaction,” he said.
On Hareesh’s assertion that he was being underpaid compared to his current market value, Badusha said, “I will proceed strictly according to the law. If any amount is legally due, it will be settled through proper legal channels.”
Badusha also addressed reports of cyber harassment, confirming that his family had been targeted online. Suggesting that the timing of the controversy was significant, Badusha said he believed the issue escalated soon after the release announcement of the Honey Rose-starrer Rachel. He also claimed that attempts to contact Hareesh and his family after the allegations surfaced were unsuccessful, with media statements appearing the following day.
While ruling out personal enmity, Badusha said he remained open to working with Hareesh in the future if a suitable role arose. “That is the kind of person I am,” he said. Concluding the press meet, Badusha reiterated that he would pursue the matter legally and maintained that he had nothing to hide. “All transactions are documented. Anyone is free to verify them,” he said.
