'Sumathi Valavu' writer Abhilash Pillai slams Unni Mukundan: 'PR teams are now doing great work to destroy us'

A fresh controversy has emerged in the Malayalam film industry involving writer Abhilash Pillai and 'Malikappuram' actor Unni Mukundan. The issue revolves around allegations regarding the direction of the film 'Malikappuram' which the producer Murali Kunnumpurath put forward.

Malikappuram controversy and producer claims


The debate began after producer Murali Kunnumpurath claimed in an interview with News Malayalam 24*7 that 'Malikappuram' was ghost-directed by Unni Mukundan. Murali also stated that he faced financial losses from films like 'Nadhikalil Sundari Yamuna' and 'Sumathi Valavu'.


Director Vishnu Sasi Shankar and Abhilash Pillai soon challenged these claims.



Vishnu Sasi Shankar responds to allegations


As reported by Asianet News, Vishnu Sasi Shankar clarified his stance on the controversy during a press interaction. He described Unni Mukundan as someone who had previously offered strong emotional and professional support.

At the same time, he hinted that the ongoing situation may have stemmed from differences of opinion. He also expressed suspicion that Unni Mukundan could be indirectly linked to the current happenings around Murali and the 'Sumathi Valavu' controversy.



Unni Mukundan’s ‘Ghost’ post sparks debate


On the last day, Unni Mukundan shared a social media post that caught widespread attention. He uploaded a picture on Instagram with the caption “Ghost”.

Many users interpreted the post as a subtle reference to “ghost directing” allegations linked to 'Malikappuram'.


Abhilash Pillai alleges PR campaign and interference

During the press meet in Kochi, writer Abhilash Pillai strongly criticised Unni Mukundan. He stated that efforts to damage the careers of filmmakers and technicians were unacceptable.

Abhilash accused the actor of claiming credit for successful films while placing blame for failures on directors. He also alleged that Unni Mukundan attempted to interfere with Vishnu’s upcoming Tamil project.

'Malikappuram' writer further claimed that a coordinated PR campaign was being used against them.

He said, “We often approach PR teams for film promotions. We pay them to even post our film posters on social media. The same PR teams, for the past two days, are now doing ‘great work’ to destroy us. The latest news we saw is that Unni Mukundan directed ‘Malikappuram.’ Honestly, I was shocked to see this. I don’t understand this trend where all successful films are said to be directed by Unni Mukundan, while the failures are attributed to other directors."

Abhilash added, "A young man’s life is being destroyed here. There is a massive PR campaign claiming that Vishnu doesn’t know direction and that Unni Mukundan made the film. I can tell you what Unni Mukundan’s role was in ‘Sumathi Valavu.’ Before the shoot of this film, Murali chettan called me and said, ‘There’s a small issue. Unni called me and said you shouldn’t do this film, he doesn’t know direction.’ I told him not to say that, and that he could ask anyone else who worked in ‘Malikappuram.’ We even called a few people who worked on the film right then. Murali chettan himself said it might have been said out of jealousy."

"During this issue, I came to know that Unni called Murali chettan and gave dates for his next film, which is a good thing. But if that is the case, there were films released between ‘Malikappuram’ and ‘Marco’ that incurred losses, and their producers are also here. Unni should visit their homes too and give them dates as well,” Abhilash concluded.

Meanwhile, Unni Mukundan's 'Malikappuram' turned out to be a blockbuster, while Vishnu's next film 'Sumathi Valavu' received mixed reviews from the audience.