Drishyam is the second biggest grossing movie in Malayalam cinema history and it is no surprise that the movies has been or is in the process of being remade in to multiple languages. While the Kannada and Telugu remakes were successful, it is when the news about the Tamil remake, titled Papanasam, was announced that the allegations or accusations gained more strength.
The makers of the film, including director Jeethu Joseph are now part of legal hassles due to claims by Ekta Kapoor and Dr Sathish Paul that the story of the movie has been ripped off from books they own the rights to.
In fact, the Papanasam, starring Kamal Haasan and Gauthami in lead roles, has been halted in its production stage by an order issued by the Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court in favour of Dr Sathish Paul.
But there have been for some time now, a whole other set of allegations against the original movie. It is that the movie, which shows in detail a horrific crime and concealment of the same, has potentially encouraged similar crimes in real life.
It started when a captured murderer after confessing to his crime claimed that he was inspired by the Mohanlal starrer Drishyam. Since then time and time again, this issue has been raised in various contexts having to do with the flick’s influence over the criminal element.
Mohanlal is known for always keeping his opinions on matters to himself and generally diplomatic in his dealings with the media and people in general. But it looks like even he is fed up now!
In a column he wrote for a prominent Malayalam newspaper, the iconic actor said that he is tired of people coming up with such ridiculous allegations. He then asked the people to simply enjoy the film for what it is – a well-made and beautifully told story. It is a make belief tale that transpires on the screen, he wrote.
Quite humorously he also added thus, “Does anyone think about going home and killing one’s brother after watching a good performance of Bali Vadham in Kathakali?”
Touché, Laletta!
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