Director Prem files complaint against producer Srinivas for alleged insult
Director Prem has formally filed a complaint against producer Kanakapura Srinivas, claiming that Srinivas had recently made highly derogatory statements at a film event, sparking controversy within the Kannada film community.
Director Prem has filed a complaint against senior film producer Kanakapura Srinivas with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, citing alleged derogatory comments made by Srinivas at a film-related event recently. The controversy has attracted the attention of the Kannada film industry, as Prem claims that the comments targeted him, director AP Arjun, actor Darshan, other producers and also included derogatory language about late actor Puneeth Rajkumar.
According to Prem, the comments crossed personal and professional boundaries, prompting him to take legal and industry-level action. He said he set up an office, built a team and began working on the script, but received no response to repeated attempts to contact the producer. Almost a year’s work of him and his team was wasted, as the producers allegedly failed to provide money for office expenses or team members. Prem further stated that he personally bore the expenses, spending a few lakhs from his own pocket, and due to his commitment to the project he had to reject other opportunities to direct, which he claims resulted in significant losses.
Prem met Jayamala, president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, and lodged his complaint, stating that Srinivas had made extremely derogatory statements. The director confirmed that he had already approached the police after raising the issue with the Film Chamber. In his complaint, Prem details his professional association with Srinivas, saying that he has served the Kannada film industry for 25 years and has maintained a clean professional record. He said that Srinivas had contacted him through KP Srikanth in 2004 and requested him to direct a film and paid an advance of Rs 9 lakh.
Speaking to the media, Prem said that he chose to respond because Srinivas allegedly made extremely objectionable comments, including comments about mothers. Prem said that although forums like Film Chamber exist to discuss and resolve controversies, he would not stoop to the same level in terms of language or behaviour. Prem said, “He has spoken disrespectfully about many people including AP Arjun, Appu (Puneeth Rajkumar), Darshan and me. To question my competence, first he should have his own credibility. One should speak responsibly.”
The controversy is currently being reviewed by both the police and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. Meanwhile, Srinivas reportedly issued a counter statement, challenging Prem to confront him directly, and said that he would meet Prem if necessary. The controversy started recently at a film event, where the producer verbally abused several well-known personalities from the Kannada film industry on stage for allegedly cheating the producer over the years.