Dulquer Salmaan’s period drama ‘Kaantha’ has landed in legal trouble. This happens just days ahead of its much-anticipated theatrical release on November 14. The grandson of legendary Tamil actor and musician Thyagaraja Bhagavathar has filed a petition in a Chennai court seeking to halt the film’s release, alleging that it portrays his grandfather in a defamatory manner.
Petitioner claims ‘false and degrading’ portrayal
According to a Live Law report, the petitioner B. Thiagarajan accused the filmmakers of depicting Bhagavathar—fondly known as MKT—as “a man of loose morals” who lived in poverty and blindness toward the end of his life. Thiagarajan stated that such a depiction is factually inaccurate and damaging. Reportedly he also asserted that Bhagavathar remained a respected figure until his death in 1959.The plea further emphasized that the filmmakers should have obtained permission from Bhagavathar’s legal heirs. The petitioner has sought a permanent injunction on the film’s release, distribution, and future streaming rights. They alleged defamation and violation of personal rights.
Makers maintain it’s a fictional story
While the production team of Kaantha has not issued an official statement on the controversy, Dulquer Salmaan has previously clarified in interviews that the film is entirely fictional and not based on any real-life figure.Directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, the period drama is co-produced by Rana Daggubati and Dulquer Salmaan under their respective banners. The film also stars Samuthirakani and Bhagyashree Borse in pivotal roles.
Early controversy in ‘Kurup’
Meanwhile, this is not the first time Dulquer Salmaan is facing a similar legal issue. Earlier in 2022, during the release of the crime drama film ‘Kurup’ which was based on the infamous Sukumara Kurup. According to PIL, the movie was said to be exposing the identity of Sukumaran Kurup who is one of the country’s most wanted criminals. Later the film surpassed all the issues and released – it also turned out to be a blockbuster.
