‘Paruthiveeran’ row: Director Ameer refutes allegations leveled by producer Gnanavel Raja. The Tamil director says he was maintaining silence on the issue as it would be subjudice to comment on it.
The exchange of statements between filmmaker Ameer and producer Gnanavel Raja regarding the events during the production of their 2007 film, Paruthiveeran, has escalated into a significant controversy.
The financial dispute surrounding the film gained attention when actor Karthi, during the audio release function of his movie Japan, expressed gratitude to Gnanavel and his actor-brother Suriya for the release of Paruthiveeran. Ameer’s absence at an event attended by influential directors who played a role in Karthi’s career sparked discussions, eventually prompting both Ameer and Gnanavel to share their perspectives on the disagreement.
Actor-director Samuthirakani, part of Ameer’s direction team in Paruthiveeran, condemned Gnanavel in a statement posted on his X account. Addressing Gnanavel, Samuthirakani stated, “I was on the Paruthiveeran set for six months, but I didn’t see you there even for a single day. You emphasize being the producer, but remember, Ameer made you a producer and introduced Karthi as a hero. Isn’t it wrong to speak without gratitude? Where did you get such courage?”
Responding to Gnanavel’s claim that Ameer exceeded the budget and misrepresented financial figures, Samuthirakani revealed, “I know how much Ameer anna suffered to make Paruthiveeran. Midway through production, you withdrew funds, stating you couldn’t continue producing. Suriya said, ‘Keep the film with yourself, Ameer Anna,’ and left.”
Samuthirakani recalled how Ameer, despite challenges, persevered for Karthi’s future. He urged Gnanavel to avoid spreading misinformation. Actor-director Sasikumar also supported Ameer, revealing he had loaned money for the final schedule of Paruthiveeran. Sasikumar urged the Producers Council to take note of Gnanavel’s allegations against Ameer. Further details on the unfolding events and the legal proceedings are anticipated.
Karthi, a versatile actor, marked his debut in director Ameer’s 2007 film, ‘Paruthiveeran.’ Recently, he celebrated completing 25 films with ‘Japan,’ and the audio launch event saw the presence of all directors who had collaborated with Karthi, except for Ameer. When questioned about his absence in an interview, Ameer disclosed that he had not extended an invitation.
Ameer further revealed that his relationship with Karthi and his brother Suriya has soured. He attributed this change to producer KE Gnanavel Raja, asserting that their association was amicable until Gnanavel Raja intervened. Ameer’s interview clip gained significant traction on the internet. In response, Gnanavel Raja stated in a media interview that they had indeed invited Ameer, but he declined to attend.
It’s worth noting that ‘Paruthiveeran’ was produced and released under KE Gnanavel Raja’s banner, Studio Green. During his interview, Gnanavel Raja accused Ameer of exceeding the budget allocated for the film and alleged that Ameer presented false expenses to embezzle money. Actor-director Sasikumar came to Ameer’s defense, refuting Gnanavel Raja’s claims and clarifying that he provided funds to Ameer for the final shooting of ‘Paruthiveeran.’
Ameer has issued a statement in response to recent accusations by producer Gnanavel Raja. Despite ongoing legal proceedings related to “Paruthiveeran,” Ameer refrains from responding based on legal advice. However, he addresses the persistent social media discussions and clarifies that Gnanavel Raja’s comments about “Paruthiveeran” and his filmmaking journey are entirely false. Ameer alleges a deliberate and planned attempt to tarnish his reputation, aiming to undermine his standing in society and hinder his progress in the film industry.
The ongoing dispute surrounding the 2007 Tamil film “Paruthiveeran,” recipient of two National Awards, continues to escalate as director Ameer Sultan rebuts all accusations made by producer KE Gnanavel Raja.
In a Tamil statement, Ameer stated, “Given that the Paruthiveeran case is still under legal scrutiny, I have heeded my legal counsel’s advice to refrain from responding to the defamatory remarks and allegations made against me by Gnanavel Raja. Consequently, I have refrained from engaging with media friends.”
Ameer emphatically denied every allegation made by Gnanavel Raja regarding his film journey and “Paruthiveeran,” asserting that none of the claims were accurate. He characterized the controversy as an attempt to tarnish his societal standing and obstruct his filmmaking career.
He clarified that no agreement had been signed between him and Gnanavel Raja regarding “Paruthiveeran,” refuting the existence of any violated terms in a “non-existent” agreement.
Ameer Sultan, while exhibiting restraint in his words, disclosed that Gnanavel Raja provided initial funding but failed to contribute further, leaving the film incomplete. Ameer completed the remaining portions with his production company, Teamwork Production House.
Expressing surprise at the silence of those who witnessed the events 17 years ago, Ameer hinted at possessing information that could unveil the truth in a matter of hours. However, he opted for silence to avoid causing upheaval in the lives of several individuals and potentially misguiding the entire film industry.
Ameer acknowledged the impact of Gnanavel Raja’s actions on his family, expressing confidence in overcoming the challenges. He appealed to the elders advising Gnanavel Raja to counsel him against making public defamatory statements.
The filmmaker extended gratitude to producer Ganesh Raghu, who, from the US, provided clarification and support in the matter.
