Tovino Thomas reacts to Vazhakk director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan’s allegations; reveals reason behind the delay in OTT release

Tovino Thomas took to his official social media handles recently and posted a video, reacting to the allegations raised by Vazhakk director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan.

Sanal Kumar Sasidharan, Tovino Thomas

Tovino Thomas has been making headlines lately after Sanal Kumar Sasidharan, the director of his upcoming film Vazhakk raised some serious allegations against the actor. Recently, the acclaimed filmmaker took to his social media handles and alleged that the actor is trying to prevent the release of the film. According to Sanal Kumar, Tovino Thomas is worried that Vazhakku might impact his career negatively, due to its controversial subject. However, Tovino has now reacted to the director’s allegations, with a social media post.

Tovino Thomas reacts to Sanal Kumar Sasidharan’s allegations

In a recent video, which is posted on his official social media handles, Tovino Thomas revealed that he finished shooting for Vazhakk in 2020 and stated that it was a gratifying experience. The actor recalled bonding well with Sanal on the sets and stated that he always respected the director. That is the reason why the actor decided to co-produce the film and invested around Rs. 27 lakh.

Tovino Thomas, who added that Vazhakk is a well-made film, revealed that the director has been trying to screen in some major film festivals. However, Sanal Kumar Sasidharan called him one day and claimed that some film festivals rejected the film because a group was working against him. But later, Vazhakk was eventually accepted by some other film festivals.

The film was screened in IFFK later, and Tovino Thomas attended the same. But Sanal was still claiming that people were trying to spoil the screening of his film. The actor-producer later had a difference of opinion with the filmmaker, who tried to get another investor for the film to have a wide theatrical release. According to Tovino, he was against this idea because he felt that Vazhakk was not a film that would appeal to the common audience. He was also against misleading an investor.

Also Read: Vazhakk review: Tovino Thomas, Sanal Kumar Sasidharan pull you in with a film that oscillates between affecting and electrifying

Sanal Kumar Sasidharan turned down Vazhakk OTT deals

Tovino Thomas tried to release the film digitally and contacted quite a few OTT platforms for the same. Even though a major platform was ready to take the film, Sanal Kumar Sasidharan turned down the offer, stating that he would not hand over the creative rights. Even though the director changed his mind for some time, he put the idea on hold. Even though another platform was willing to come on board, they backed out eventually citing the criminal cases against the Vazhakk director.

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Tovino Thomas, who also showcased his text messages with Sanal Kumar Sasidharan in the video, stated that their last conversation happened in 2023. The actor further added that he is still open to looking for an OTT deal for Vazhakk, and assured that he will be actively involved with the promotional activities.

Also Read: Tovino Thomas’ Vazhakk to be screened at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

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