Two days after a whistleblower website, Savukkuonline.com, alleged that actor Vishal has struck a deal with Lyca Productions, a section of Tamil film producers are up in arms against Vishal’s leadership.
According to the expose, it is believed that Vishal, who championed the cause of wiping out piracy in Tamil film industry, struck a deal with Lyca Productions after learning that the company was associated with some domain names of websites that release pirated films.
Vishal, it went on, unearthed information with the help of an investigative agency and learnt about Lyca’s involvement. Using this information, he allegedly struck a deal with Lyca, convincing them to fund his films. It’s worth mentioning that Vishal’s latest Tamil release Irumbu Thirai was distributed by Lyca across Tamil Nadu.
Following the expose, a press conference was called on Sunday by Tamil filmmakers such as Bharatiraja, T Rajendhar and JK Rithesh among others. Vishal was slammed for his leadership and was asked if this is what he had signed up to do as the head of Tamil Film Producers Council (TFPC). The producers also wanted to know how Vishal and his team had spent ₹7 crore of the council, since he had taken charge.
Reacting to the allegations, Vishal told Times of India: “That’s a huge allegation they are making on a production house (referring to the site claiming that a production house is involved in piracy) and I really do hope they have proof to substantiate their claim. Is it a problem that they are funding my films or other films as well? The Kerala police have nabbed the admins of TamilRockers. That said, we are trying to cut the mother source because all prints that have been uploaded online have been taken from theatres. That’s why we’ve been asking for a joint meeting with theatre owners. There should be thorough vigilance for at least four days after a film’s release inside the theatre. Only then can we completely root out piracy.”
{{/usCountry}}Reacting to the allegations, Vishal told Times of India: “That’s a huge allegation they are making on a production house (referring to the site claiming that a production house is involved in piracy) and I really do hope they have proof to substantiate their claim. Is it a problem that they are funding my films or other films as well? The Kerala police have nabbed the admins of TamilRockers. That said, we are trying to cut the mother source because all prints that have been uploaded online have been taken from theatres. That’s why we’ve been asking for a joint meeting with theatre owners. There should be thorough vigilance for at least four days after a film’s release inside the theatre. Only then can we completely root out piracy.”
{{/usCountry}}He added that movies were being released as per queue system. Those interested were welcome to check the records at the council’s office. He said that as they maintained accounts for all expenses, no one can misappropriate funds or take money under the table.
Further explaining his position, he was quoted as saying, “I don’t know which reputed producer has a problem with the council’s proceedings; the industry is going in a righteous path and let our actions speak louder than words,” Vishal said.
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