Madras Enterprises’ Nandhagopal has said that it’s up to the Tamil Nadu Producers Council to determine his next step.
Nandhagopal was accused of not paying actors Vishal and Vikram Prabhu for their work in the films produced by his banner. As a result, the Nadigar Sangam sent an official letter requesting actors and producers to not work with Madras Enterprises in order to avoid a similar fate.
In conversation with Silverscreen, Nandhagopal said: “It’s up to the TFPC now. Only they will determine what I do next. Because till now, I have worked to the best of my abilities and my conscience. I have paid all my actors on time. I do not know why this topic is cropping up now.”
Nandhagopal clarified that Vishal was paid his remuneration in full just before Kaththi Sandai released and even Vikram Prabhu has been paid for his work. “Now they are claiming that I didn’t pay. This is false. I have paid and on time. With 96, there were some external difficulties which forced my hand. Vijay Sethupathi kindly stepped in. And right now, we are in talks to figure out a plan for paying back the amount. So no issues there as well.”
Nandhagopal admits that the issues with remuneration are not rare in the industry. “But I have always made sure to settle dues on time. I have a reputation to uphold,” he said.
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The root cause of the issue is a financial one, Nandhagopal said. “But it’s not about salary. Vishal produced a film (Thupparivalan) for me on a first copy basis. There’s some disagreement over the shares in the film. We have been in talks for some time but have failed to arrive at a number satisfactory to both of us.”
This is the due that Vishal is talking about, Nandhagopal says. “We need to talk about it. Such hasty decisions on the behalf of a representative organisation bode ill for us all,”he said.
The producer said that he expects the TFPC to intervene and sort out the issue. “I expect their response by Monday (November 12). If not, they will have to hear my response,” Nandhagopal said.