‘They ruined me, Rs 9 cr lost, can’t survive’: Murali Kunnumpurath accuses Abhilash Pillai, Vishnu

A sensational and deeply emotional video, purportedly featuring 'Vellam' (2021) producer Murali Kunnumpurath, has taken social media by storm, leaving the Malayalam film industry rattled.

In the now-viral clip, Murali makes a series of explosive allegations, claiming he was ‘cheated, deceived, and destroyed’, both in business and cinema,  leading to staggering losses running into crores.

“Real life is nothing like 'Vellam'. I’m just an ordinary man… and now my life is stuck,” he says, opening up about financial setbacks that began with failed tile export ventures across Dubai, Australia, and Africa.

However, what has truly set the industry abuzz are his claims about his film journey. Murali alleges that after 'Vellam', he was lured into producing 'Nadhikalil Sundari Yamuna' (2023) by individuals who “lied about their credentials.”

“I lost two crores… they weren’t even what they claimed to be,” he says, directly naming Unni Vellora and Vijesh Panathur. The biggest blow, he claims, came with 'Sumathi Valavu' (2025).

“Everyone thinks it’s a success… but it destroyed me,” Murali says, alleging a loss of nearly Rs 7 crore and accusing key names including Vishnu Sasi Shankar and Abhilash Pillai.

The video turns intensely emotional as Murali speaks about his family and mounting debts. “I haven’t lived enough with my wife and children… creditors won’t let me live,” he says, his voice breaking.

As the video continues to spread like wildfire, it has triggered a mix of shock, sympathy, and controversy, with many questioning the darker realities behind film production and financial risks in the industry.