Tovino Thomas’ Nariveta director slams claim of having only 15 hits in Malayalam cinema: ‘Like tying a dog next to a haystack’

Tovino Thomas-starrer Nariveta was released in theaters on May 23, 2025 and is said to be a hit at the box office. However, according to the Kerala Film Producers Association, excluding Nariveta, Malayalam cinema had only 15 hit ventures in 2025. Now, its director Anuraj Manohar has hit back at him, claiming that the film was a success and revealing that the makers are even ready to publish his bank account details.

Nariveta Director Anuraj Manohar responded to the association’s claims

Anuraj Manohar wrote a long note on his official social media handle, stating that his film was a box office success, marking the first time that the producers made a profit from the venture.

The note reads: “Nariveta, which I directed, was released in May this year. It is a film that was taken to almost all the major producers here and they rejected it. As a filmmaker, it is natural to look for producers. During such a search, driven by faith in the film, the Indian Cinema Company agreed to produce the film.”

He further added, “Nariweta is his first production venture. A few months after the film’s release, as usual, the year-end decision of the Producers Association announced that only fifteen films were profitable this year.”

It is difficult to accept this decision, Anuraj further said, pointing out that cinema is also an industry, and those who loudly declare through the microphone that all films are complete failures are effectively placing a knife on its throat. He said that such claims deter new producers from entering Malayalam cinema and essentially hand over the industry to big corporate companies.

Regarding the situation, he also used the expression, “It’s like tying a dog next to a haystack, ‘neither allowed to eat nor fed.'” (translated from Malayalam).

Furthermore, Anuraj claimed that Nariveta’s producer, Indian Cinema Company, is ready to reveal its account details to prove the film to be a success. He also mentioned that, due to the success, he is already in discussions with the same company for a new project.

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