Aspiring Director Lashes Out At Mersal Producer, Claims Thenandal Studios Limited Owes Him Money

There's no denying that 2017 was a terrific year for Thenandal Studios Limited. The production studio became the talk of the town when the much-hyped Mersal opened to a thunderous response at the box office and received favourable reviews from all quarters. Directed by Atlee, the film featured Vijay in the lead and proved to be a good Diwali gift for the fans. Now, nearly a year later, Thenandal Studios Limited is in the limelight for a shocking reason. As it so happens, aspiring film-maker Balaji Athmanathan has levelled some shocking allegations against the production house.

In a hard-hitting Facebook post, Balaji Athmanathan said that the production house is yet to pay him for a film he had co-directed for them nearly a year ago. He added that some managers even forced him to give them money in order to wrap up the project.

"Since you are more eager to make your previously produced movie 'Mersal' a pride of Tamil Cinema, When are you planning to give me back the money you owe me and the money you owe to all the workers sir?

You might not know me sir. How could you? I am Balaji Athmanathan and I co-directed the movie 'Iravaakaalam' and like hundreds of people who worked in that movie even I am not paid yet sir.

In the end stages of shoot your managers asked me money and I gave my money from my savings to finish the shoot off. And please dont start with the renumeration because its almost an year since I got paid. And please do know I gave salary to the direction team to keep their spirits up. Again with my own savings money," he added.

Balaji Athmanathan also asked Thenandal Studios Limited to clear his dues before talking about being the 'pride of Tamil cinema'.

"Happy to be a part of 'Pride of Tamil Cinema' sir. And sir when my wife asked what I am doing with an empty plate on my hands I said I am eating. Silly girl got confused and asked how can you eat without food. Dont worry sir she did not understand I was eating Pride. And when my landlord asked this month's rent I just texted him back 'PRIDE'. I hope he understands.
So sir, when you are done making Tamil Cinema more prouder than it already is, give me a call and I will come and collect my money sir. I hope I will live to see that day. If not, please pass that money to my grandkids sir. Thank you," added the aspiring director.

This is a developing situation and one is likely to get more clarity on this in the days to come.