Post by : Raman

A major financial dispute has emerged in Kerala's film industry as a Special Investigation Team (SIT) begins probing allegations of a ₹70 million (approximately $8.4 million) investment gone unpaid in the Malayalam hit movie Manjummel Boys. The case involves actor Soubin Shahir, his father Babu Shahir, and co-producer Shawn Antony, who have been accused of swindling money from Siraj Valiyathura, a resident of Aroor.

The investigation comes after Siraj filed a fresh complaint with the state Director General of Police (DGP). According to reports, Siraj had invested the money in instalments for the film’s production but claims he was denied the promised profits.

Background of the Case

The dispute first gained attention in April 2024 when Maradu police registered a case against the trio following Siraj’s initial complaint. The allegations point to possible criminal conspiracy and cheating related to the investment in the film. The Kerala High Court had earlier granted anticipatory bail to the accused but imposed restrictions on their foreign travel to ensure that the ongoing investigation would not be hampered.

Recently, the court upheld these restrictions by rejecting the producers’ plea to travel abroad for an award ceremony. The Magistrate Court’s order emphasized that allowing foreign travel could affect the progress of the investigation.

Legal Charges Filed

The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC):

• Section 120B – Criminal conspiracy

• Section 34 – Common intention

• Section 406 – Breach of trust

• Section 420 – Cheating

• Section 468 – Forgery

These charges reflect the seriousness of the allegations and indicate a wide-ranging probe into both financial and procedural aspects of the film’s production and accounting.

Conflicting Claims

Siraj alleges that despite funding the film, he was excluded from the financial returns. On the other hand, the accused claim that Siraj delayed payments during the production phase, which disrupted the schedule and caused losses. The Kerala High Court has refused to quash proceedings against them, showing that the legal process will continue to examine the merits of both sides’ claims.

Impact on Soubin Shahir’s Career

Despite the ongoing legal challenges, actor Soubin Shahir continues to gain attention in the film industry. His performance as the antagonist Dayal in the Tamil action film Coolie (2025), starring Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna, has earned him critical acclaim. The hit song “Monica” and his energetic screen presence have made him a breakout star in the film, demonstrating that his professional achievements continue amid legal scrutiny.

SIT’s Role in the Investigation

DCP Vinod Pillai will lead the SIT, which is tasked with examining financial records, production documents, and all communications related to the investment in Manjummel Boys. The team aims to uncover whether the investment was mismanaged, whether any deliberate misrepresentation occurred, and whether the accused are legally responsible for returning the funds.

Broader Implications

This case highlights ongoing concerns in the Indian film industry regarding investment transparency and accountability. With the rise of private investments in regional cinema, legal disputes like these draw attention to the need for proper contracts, clear financial agreements, and reliable mechanisms for investors to track their contributions.

Observers note that financial disagreements in the film industry are not uncommon, especially when profits are not as expected. However, the size of this investment and the involvement of high-profile figures like Soubin Shahir make this case particularly newsworthy.

Next Steps

The SIT’s investigation is expected to take several months as authorities review extensive financial documents and interview key witnesses. Depending on the findings, the case could result in charges being formally pressed against the accused or settlements being negotiated.

Meanwhile, the Kerala film industry is closely watching the developments. Many producers and investors are likely to take note of the outcome, as it may set a precedent for handling similar disputes in the future.

The ₹70 million investment dispute in Manjummel Boys serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in film financing and the legal responsibilities of producers and actors alike. As the SIT begins its detailed investigation, all parties involved await a resolution that will ensure justice and accountability. While Soubin Shahir’s career continues to rise, the legal proceedings emphasize that transparency and trust remain critical in the rapidly growing Malayalam film industry.

Kerala film fraud, Manjummel Boys scam, Soubin Shahir news, Malayalam cinema news