Ravichandran registers complaint with Producers Council

By: Settu Shankar
Friday, May 25, 2007
Producer Oscar Ravichandiran, known for big releases like Kadhalukku Mariyadhai, Vaanathai Pola, Anniyan and Unnale Unnale has lodged a complaint with the Tamil Film Producers Council concerning leading actor Surya. At present Ravichandiran is producing the big budget film Dasavathaaram with actor Kamal Hassan. Apart from this film, he is also producing Vaaranam Ayiram in which Surya is acting in the lead role. The first schedule of Vaaranam Ayiram shooting as been completed and the next phase will be conducted in Afghanistan and USA next month. The producer applied for visas and other formalities so that he could go ahead with the second phase of shooting. While he was getting all the arrangements made for the cast and crew to move to USA and Afghanisthan, Surya has announced that he will be acting in Vel under Hari's direction.

He also gave the director 75 days from his call sheets - till the film's shooting is over. Because he committed to Vel, the shooting of Vaaranam Ayiram has been put off. The producer has approached the Producers Council to get the issue solved. In his complaint to the Council, he said that his project Vaaranam Ayiram had to be cast aside and was given priority to over Vel after Surya's initial commitment to Vaaranam Ayiram.

Ravichandiran said, "I had planned to carry out the shooting of the second schedule of Vaaranam Ayiram. The same was commenced last month. After the completion of one 30 days schedule, Surya has gone for other shooting without saying anything. So far I have spent about Rs.5 crores for the project, I have applied for visas and have seen to it that all the arrangements for the shooting of the film in foreign locations, Afghanistan and USA, are arranged for.

He added in anger, "Only now I came to know that Surya gave his call sheets for more than 75 days for the shooting of Vel. If he goes ahead the shooting of Vel, all my efforts will be in vain. I do not intend to object to the shooting of Vel with Surya. I am only insisting that he give first preference to my film Vaaranam Ayiram." After receiving this complaint, the functionaries of the council have looked into the matter. They have inquired of the matter at the film chamber. They said that they would talk to Surya and come to an amicable settlement for Surya and Ravichandran.