EXCLUSIVE: Anbuselvan producer sheds light on Gautham Vasudev Menon film controversy

A first look, released by filmmaker Pa Ranjith, caused a stir on social media
EXCLUSIVE: Anbuselvan producer sheds light on Gautham Vasudev Menon film controversy
EXCLUSIVE: Anbuselvan producer sheds light on Gautham Vasudev Menon film controversy

A first look poster of a film called Anbuselvan, featuring Gautham Vasudev Menon, caused a huge stir on social media earlier today after Gautham refuted his involvement in the film. Moreover, Pa Ranjith, who had released the first look of the film, deleted his tweet.

Now, producer Magesh of Seventy MM Studios, who has bankrolled Anbuselvan, has shed light on the controversy, stating that the film has been in production for over three years and that the issue has been addressed to the Tamil Film Producers Council.

"We signed a crime thriller film titled Kelvikuri with Gautham sir. We started shooting in 2019, and he had shot for 16 days for the film. All of a sudden, without intimating us, he changed his look for Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal and so that caused a delay."

He adds that the title change of the film was also communicated to Gautham. "Later, due to internal issues, we had to change the director of the film, who was replaced by his co-director A Vinoth Kumar. We then changed the film's title to Anbuselvan as a tribute to his fan-favourite character."

A still from <em>Anbuselvan</em>
A still from Anbuselvan

Magesh added that Gautham's film Joshua further delayed the project and that Gautham wasn't keen on releasing the first look or teaser of Anbuselvan. "He was also adamant about reinstating the original director, but convinced him to go ahead with Vinoth."

After two years of delays, Magesh said that he approached the Tamil Producers Council, after which Gautham assured him that he will shoot for the film after completing Simbu's Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu. "However, I couldn't reach out to him after that, and I wanted to release the first look for Deepavali. It is unfair for him to say that he has no idea about the film or the director. I am very hurt by his statements."

A still from the film
A still from the film

"75 per cent of the film is over. If Gautham gives 15 days of his callsheet, we will finish the film and get it ready for Pongal release. Thenandal Murali, the head of the Tamil Producers Council assured me that Gautham will be asked to shoot for the film post-Deepavali and that he will make sure the film will be completed," added Magesh.

Cinema Express tried to reach Gautham, but he was unavailable to comment.

Anbuselvan, directed by Vinoth Kumar, has Ivana (Of Naachiyaar-fame) playing the female lead. The film also stars Vivek Prasanna and Raghu among others. The film has cinematography by Ganesh, and music composed by Srilankan musician Pathmayan.

(This is a developing story)
 

Related Stories

No stories found.
Cinema Express
www.cinemaexpress.com