Prithviraj Sukumaran on making propaganda films, paying Rs 25 Cr fine to ED: ‘Devoid of any truth, defamatory’

Malayalam actor Prithviraj Sukumaran responded to a report by a Malayalam online channel that had alleged that the actor-producer had paid Rs 25 crore as fine to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) along with co-producer Listin Stephen.

The report that was published on Thursday alleged that the actor had received the money from certain sources in the Middle East and this was the trigger for the ED initiating an investigation. It also further stated that producers Antony Perumbavoor and Listin Stephen too are under the scanner.

Also read: Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Aadujeevitham to miss Cannes, eyes world premiere at Venice Film Festival: Blessy | Exclusive 

In his social media post, Prithviraj rubbished these allegations made by YouTube channel Marunadan Malayali, claiming that the report, which also stated that the actor is making “propaganda films” is “false and defamatory”.

Also read: How Mamukkoya’s ‘thug life’ memes got Prithviraj Sukumaran to cast him in Kuruthi, Irshad Parari explains 

“The allegations are devoid of any truth, is malicious, and defamatory,” said Prithviraj, adding that he will be pursuing the legal course for the allegations made against him. The actor also requested media channels “to ensure that any further reporting on the allegations are done only after facts are verified and confirmed”. The actor also stated that he usually tend to ignore these reports. "But there is a limit to propagating absolute lies in the name of 'news'. This is a fight I intend to see through to the end. Filing civil and criminal defamation charges," he said, clarifying that he hasn't paid any fine. 

In December 2022, the Income Tax department held a raid on the properties of Prithviraj, Antony and Listin Stephen. The raid, which lasted almost 21 hours, was part of an investigation carried out by Kerala wing of the IT department regarding the financial transactions of the leading producers and distributors of Malayalam cinema.

Last year was also profitable one for Prithviraj’s production house, Prithviraj Productions, with it being involved in the distribution of blockbusters such as KGF: Chapter 2, Kantara and 777 Charlie. Prithviraj Productions along with Listin’s Magic Frames had also produced and distributed Jana Gana Mana, Kumari and Gold.

Also read: Empuraan: Mohanlal, Prithviraj Sukumaran's movie to be made on a budget of Rs 150 crore? Here’s what we know 

Prithviraj also ventured into Bollywood as a producer earlier this year, with Akshay Kumar’s Selfiee and will be playing pivotal characters in three big movies including Hombale Films’ Salaar and Bollywood films Bade Miyan Chotte Miyan. The actor is next set to helm Mohanlal-starrer Empuraan, which is touted to be one of the biggest budgeted Malayalam movies and has Antony as its producer.