What's Behind The Controversial Buzz of 'Manjummel Boys' - Malayalam's 200 Crore Sensation?

A dispute arose in March following remarks made by Tamil-Malayalam writer B. Jeyamohan regarding 'Manjummel Boys.' Jeyamohan criticized the film for allegedly portraying the disorderly conduct of Malayalis in public spaces and normalizing drug addiction. His comments sparked heightened protests against him, with various groups, including political and film industry members, expressing dissent.

Veteran musician Ilayaraja filed a copyright infringement complaint against the Malayalam blockbuster Manjummel Boys for unauthorized use of the song 'Kanmani Anbodu'. Despite receiving credit in the title cards, Ilayaraja clarified that permission was not sought for using the song, emphasizing that mere acknowledgment does not substitute consent. He demanded compensation within 15 days and threatened legal action for exploitation without permission or payment of royalties. Additionally, he asserted his absolute rights as the original creator of the song composed for 'Gunaa'.

On April 23, police acted on a court directive from the Ernakulam First Class Magistrate Court. Siraj Valiyathara Hameed, a seafood exporter, accused Parava Films' producers of promising him a 40 percent share of profits after investing Rs 7 crores. Alleging a significant loss of approximately Rs 47 crores due to the film's success, the court ordered freezing of the producers' bank accounts.

As per recent updates, ED interrogated Shawn at Parava Film's Kochi office as part of the investigation. The agency plans to question the other two producers shortly. This development follows a police report submitted to the Kerala High Court, revealing discrepancies in the producers' expenditure claims. Allegedly, the producers committed financial fraud by inflating the film's production cost to Rs 22 crore, whereas it was actually Rs 18.65 crore.

It has become the first Malayalam film to collect Rs 200 crore at the box office across the world. With this achievement, the Chidambaram-directorial broke the record of the highest-grossing film in Malayalam cinema, held by Jude Anthany Joseph's film, 2018.