The Malayalam film industry, often buzzing with new releases and behind-the-scenes stories, recently witnessed a controversy involving Roby Varghese Raj, the director of Kannur Squad. Raj’s comments in a round table interview with Rekha Menon sparked a whirlwind of speculation and rumors on social media. He was asked if there are people in the film industry who celebrate others’ failures, to which he responded affirmatively, highlighting the existence of such negativity within the industry.
Raj spoke about an unnamed director who allegedly mocked his film Kannur Squad at a theatre. This led to widespread speculation about the identity of the director, with many believing Raj was referring to Jithin Laal, the director of Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM). The comments ignited discussions about the competitive nature of the Malayalam film industry and the challenges filmmakers face from within the community.
However, Roby Varghese Raj later took to his Instagram to clarify the situation. He expressed regret for not controlling his emotions during the interview and requested people to not pursue the matter further. In a note, he apologized to Jithin Laal for any damage caused due to the misunderstanding, affirming that Laal is a good friend and was one of the first to congratulate him post the release of Kannur Squad.
Jithin Laal responded positively to Raj’s clarification, thanking him for clearing the air and expressing hope that this would end all rumors affecting him and his team. This exchange between the two directors highlights the importance of communication and understanding in the film industry, especially in an age where social media can amplify misunderstandings.
The incident sheds light on the complexities of relationships in Mollywood and the impact of public statements. As the dust settles, both directors continue their work in the industry, perhaps more aware of the power of words and the importance of camaraderie in the competitive world of cinema.
