Kamal Ghorui
After FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan accused actor Biju Menon of skipping film promotions, ‘Nadanna Sambhavam’ producer Anoop Kannan has levelled similar allegations. The producer has accused Biju Menon of breaching the contract, and also accused that this led to a financial loss of Rs 25 lakh. ‘Nadanna Sambhavam’, released in June 2024, featured Biju Menon and Suraj Venjaramoodu in the lead roles. Talking to Manorama Online, the producer alleged that Biju Menon ignored his request to honour the contractual promotional obligations, which led to a financial loss. “We had signed up a contract drawn up by the Kerala Film Producers’ Association, which clearly states that lead actors are required to take part in promotional activities for 10 days. In our industry, it is understandable that artists may find it difficult to commit to promotions for 10 full days due to multiple work engagements. However, it is possible for them to make themselves available for two or three days,” the ‘Nadanna Sambhavam’ producer said. The producer revealed that he has a rapport with the actor beyond work, and yet the actor didn’t show up for promotions. “My friendship with Biju Menon stretches far beyond our professional relationship. I had hoped he would honour the commitment we signed, especially since we are good friends.”According to the producer, despite a clear contract and multiple requests, Biju Menon only allocated two and a half hours for promotional activities. “He had initially expressed his willingness to take part in the promotions. However, when the time came, he ignored my requests. I was forced to repeatedly reach out to both him and his manager, urging him to fulfil his commitment. In the end, he participated for just two-and-a-half hours on one day—arriving at 11.30 am and leaving by 2 pm, citing various reasons and concerns,” he said.When the producer raised the issue with the Film Producers’ Association, he was assured that the complaint would be resolved before Biju Menon’s next film release. However, Biju Menon starrer ‘Valathu Vashathe Kallan’ directed by Jeethu Joseph was released before that. The actor hasn’t reacted to the row yet.
