Prithviraj Sukkumaran refutes claims of making ‘propaganda films’, paying ₹25 crore to ED

Prithviraj Sukkumaran issued a statement regarding a few allegations against him. He said he will be taking legal actions in the matter as well.

Actor, director and singer Prithviraj Sukumaran, who is known for his work in Malayalam cinema, reacted strongly to allegations of propaganda fims against him, claimed by a YouTube channel. Reportedly, Prithviraj also paid a hefty amount of ₹25 crore to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the this matter. Dismissing all claims, Prithviraj Sukumaran promised to take legal action against those spreading false information about him.

Prithviraj is the director of the company, Prithviraj Productions Limited, which is the distributor of the ‘Kantara’ film in Kerala. (File Photo)

He took to his Instagram handle and shared a statement regarding the matter. It read, “It has come to my attention that the YouTube channel by the name Marunadanmalayali has published a false and defamatory story, alleging that I have paid a fine of ₹25,00,00,000 pursuant to proceedings initiated by the Enforcement Directorate and am making propaganda films. The allegations are devoid of any truth, is malicious, and defamatory.”

The statement continued, “I am initiating legal action for the false and defamatory allegations that have been made against me. I hereby request all responsible media channels to ensure that any further reporting on the allegations are done only after the facts are verified and confirmed."

"I usually tend to ignore these because terms like "ethical journalism" are fast becoming redundant in the times we live in. But there is a limit to propogating absolute lies in the name of "news". This is a fight I intend to see through to the end. Filing civil and criminal defamation charges. PS: For those of you who are still wondering... NO, I haven't paid any fines whatsoever," it added.

After he posted the statement, actor Tovino Thomas came out in his support. He commented with a clap and red heart emoji.

The allegations against Prithviraj Sukkumaran are raised by a YouTube channel, Marunadan Malayali. According to India Today, the director has allegedly received funds from some sources based in the Middle East, which the Enforcement Directorate was investigating.

Prithviraj will be next seen in Aadujeevitham. In the film, he plays a Malayali immigrant worker forced into slavery as a goatherd on a farm in Saudi Arabia.

(With inputs from ANI)