The controversy surrounding the web series Resort continues to intensify, with conflicting claims emerging from both sides. After actor Anugraha S Nambiar accused the team of non-payment and insensitive treatment during a personal health crisis, the issue quickly escalated online, drawing widespread attention and backlash.
Following a detailed response from Nakshatra Murthy, who denied any financial responsibility and questioned the nature of the allegations, actor Vijay Kumar Rajendran has now broken his silence on the matter, offering his version of events.
Vijay said he didn't want to put out a clarification and wanted to take the legal route. However, he ended up posting a video because "media channels took her side because she cried. I wanted to clarify my stance online and make myself clear." Then Vijay went on to address the allegations placed by Anugraha.
Vijay revealed that Anugraha requested the production banner of Resort an advance payment of Rs 25000 for her personal emergencies, of which a large amount she is yet to pay back. Further, he said that the production banner was magnanimous enough to allow her to participate in an audition on a shoot day and even paid her the full amount for the day, although she shot only one scene.
On the allegation surrounding the role that was promised to her, he said that she shot for nearly 2 months before signing the contract and that she knew very well what she was being offered. He then said, "She waited until the story introduced a love triangle for her character to put out of her video, in hopes that we wouldn't be able to replace her."
Having spoken his side, Vijay concluded his statement by saying that he will be filing a defamation case against Anugraha. He also expressed his guilt for involving his wife, Nakshatra, in the conversation which escalated the issue.
The row began when Anugraha alleged that she had not been paid for her work on the JioHotstar series Resort and had not been called for shoots for several months. She also claimed that she faced an epileptic seizure during this period and was left in severe financial distress, even struggling to afford basic necessities.
Further, Anugraha accused Nakshatra Murthy of using derogatory language in a voice message and criticised the lack of empathy shown by the team. She also alleged that Vijay Kumar Rajendran distanced himself from the situation when informed about her health, stating that she should not return to the series.
In response, Nakshatra maintained that Vijay Kumar was only an actor on the project and not financially accountable, while also alleging that the confrontation appeared “pre-planned” and involved abusive behaviour from a person she identified as Anugraha’s associate.
The situation further escalated after Anugraha released a second video, reiterating her claims and asserting that she joined the project based on Vijay Kumar’s assurances, holding him responsible for unfulfilled promises regarding her role and remuneration.
