The release of the first-look poster of Karinthandan, starring the talented Vinayakan, created a controversy when another filmmaker claimed that the film’s title was copied from his project, for which he had already registered and started work on. Recently-announced Vinayakan-starrer Karinthandan is directed by 30-year-old Leela Santhosh, a filmmaker who belongs to the Adivasi community called the Paniyars, and Gopakumr GK is the assistant director who is making the claim and threatening legal action.
According to a report in Onmanorama, Gopakumar, who is currently working as an assistant director and finance controller for the Mammootty-starrer Maamaankam, claimed that the script for the movie was prepared almost a year ago and titled Karinthandan, which was also registered.
The director also says that when Leela approached him through Facebook and asked him whether he was going to proceed with the project, he told her that he is working on the movie. Gopakumar also added he was shocked and puzzled when Leela made released the poster with the same title and didn’t reply to his message where he inquired about it. He finally added that he would seek legal action if anyone tried to release Leela’s film.
Speaking to Onmanorama about the work he had already done for the film, Gopakumar said, “I envision Karinthandan to not be limited to Kerala alone; I plan for it to be a pan-Indian movie. The film, which will be made by Hollywood standards, will feature many actors from different film industries. A Canadian company has already agreed to be a part of the movie’s production. The discussions are in the final stage and the estimated budget is almost Rs 60 crore.”
Gopakumar announced the movie Karinthandan through his Facebook page last December where he had written that his movie would be about the legend of Karinthandan, a warrior leader of the Alloka tribe.
Script Completed.. <3 ഒരു നീണ്ട കാലത്തെ യാത്രകളും ചരിത്രാന്വേഷണങ്ങളും അലച്ചിലുകളും കാതിലാരൊക്കെയോ കുടഞ്ഞിട്ടുപോയ…
Posted by Gopakumar GK on Tuesday, December 12, 2017
The first-look poster of the film directed by Leela was released earlier this week. It stars State award-winner Vinayakan. The film tries to unravel the myth surrounding the tribal chieftain Karinthandan. Though director Leela does not have any formal education in film making, she is well regarded for directing a documentary film Nizhalukal Nashtappedunna Gothrabhumi (Tribal Lands That Have Lost Their Shadows), which explores the culture of tribal communities. Leela has also assisted in a yet to-be-released film Naale starring Fahadh Faazil and Isha Talwar.
