In a bold move that has shaken the Malayalam film industry, director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan has released his film ‘Vazhakku’ online for free following a heated dispute with the movie’s lead actor and producer, Tovino Thomas.
This decision came after accusations flew between the two, highlighting deep-seated tensions regarding the film’s release and creative rights.
Sanal’s conflict with Tovino erupted over concerns that the film’s theatrical and OTT release would adversely affect the actor’s career. The director expressed his frustration in a poignant social media post, saying,
“Cinema should be viewed by the audience. For anyone who wants to watch it, here is Vazhakku/The Quarrel. You will understand now why the movie hasn’t been released.”
Tovino Thomas responded in an Instagram live session, arguing his side and stressing that he had invested significantly in the film without expecting any returns. He claimed,
“I did this out of respect for the director’s craft”
Further suggesting that external factors, including legal troubles surrounding Sanal, affected the film’s release on digital platforms.
The public release of ‘Vazhakku’ on Vimeo has sparked a flurry of responses, turning what might have been a behind-the-scenes disagreement into a public and controversial spectacle.
This drama highlights the clashes over creative control and career concerns and opens up conversations about the transparency and challenges in film distribution.
Tune into the latest updates and headline stories at ScreenBinge News—curated specifically for you now!
Read more