Padmini producer Suvin K Varkey alleges Kunchacko Boban refused to promote film

A common refrain that one hears from filmmakers across industries these days is that marketing a film is just as important as ensuring a quality product in theatres. For the makers of this week’s Malayalam release Padmini, though, that was not really an option, because lead actor Kunchacko Boban allegedly refused to cooperate. This, claims the team, is despite him pocketing a whopping Rs 2.5 crore as remuneration (Rs 10 lakh per day for 25 days). The issue, says producer Suvin K Varkey is that the decision to do absolutely no promotions came after a consultant that Boban’s wife appointed saw raw footage of the film and advised him to reject the publicity plan.

Read our review of Padmini here: Padmini movie review: Kunchacko Boban and team are delightful in this charming film, blotted only by a terse final act

In a long Instagram post, Suvin extended his heartfelt gratitude to the rest of the team and added that box office result notwithstanding, the film has been a profitable venture for him. He wrote, “Thank you all for embracing PADMINI TO YOUR HEARTS. We are overwhelmed with all the positive responses and reviews. Still there are a few things we owe to answer in response to the questions asked about the lack of promotion of the movie.

Before we start whining, we need to make one thing clear. PADMINI is a profitable affair for us. No matter what the BO numbers be, we are profitable. Thanks to the efficient production team behind the shoot and a BIG SHOUT to Senna, Sreeraj and the entire crew who finished the movie 7 days ahead of its schedule.

But as a film maker and content creator it’s the theater response that matters and that's where we needed the charm of stardom from its lead actor to get the first foot fall into theaters. For PADMINI, the lead actor who took home 2.5 crores gave zero TV interviews, participated in zero TV programs/promotions. The entire promotion plan and chart of the programs were rejected because the marketing consultant who was appointed by the actor's wife made a verdict watching the raw footage of the movie. It's the same S*** what happened to the last 2-3 producers of his movies. So someone has to talk and here we are...

This won't happen to a movie where this actor is a co-producer. He will sit through every TV interview and will be a guest in every TV show but when it's an external producer he cares the least. Because for him, it’s more fun to be in Europe chilling with friends than promoting the film where he took home 2.5 crores for 25 days of shoot.

In a state where the exibitors protest for movies not getting enough run, it matters why movies are not getting proper recognition. Actors also have the responsibility to market the product they get involved in. Out of the 200+ movies releasing in a year you have to attract the audience to watch your movie. This is showbiz and your existence is based on the audience verdict. Don't take the viewers for granted. After all, the magic of Cinema is that CONTENT ALWAYS WINS.

PS: Special thanks to the PRODUCER FRIENDS who fought in the producer association in favour of the actor.”