Producer Siyad Koker has fired back at actor Vinayakan’s recent remarks criticising producer G Suresh Kumar, defending the position of the film industry’s producers and responding to Vinayakan's criticisms with sharp words. 

In a post on Facebook, Siyad expressed solidarity with Sureshkumar, declaring, "Sureshkumar is not alone... We are united. We are not afraid of trolls on social media." He dismissed Vinayakan’s comments, asserting that filmmaking is not about "flashing locals and passing obscene remarks”. Siyad also challenged Vinayakan, saying, "Make a movie and show me first, then you can brag."

Siyad took aim at the issue of age, responding to Vinayakan’s challenge about who should be involved in filmmaking. "If age is a criterion for acting and producing a film, then I guess I don't have to tell you who all will be in Malayalam cinema today," he said. He further taunted Vinayakan, telling him, "And one more thing, if the film is not successful, don't flash the audience, Vinayaka."

Vinayakan's remarks came in response to G Sureshkumar's earlier criticism of the industry, particularly targeting actors who produce films. The actor had expressed his intention to continue working in the industry in whatever capacity he chose, and questioned whether cinema was Sureshkumar’s personal domain. He asserted his right to produce, direct and screen films, emphasising that filmmakers like himself should have the freedom to work without interference or judgment from others in the industry.

Sureshkumar’s criticism of the industry had earlier sparked major controversy. In an interview, the veteran producer openly critiqued the high remuneration paid to actors, challenging them to show a film that had crossed the Rs 100 crore mark at the box office. He also noted the disparity between the claims of stars and the realities of film production, saying that it is often the actors who boast about their box office success, not the producers.

Sureshkumar also painted a bleak picture of the state of the Malayalam film industry, citing the poor financial performance of many films. He pointed out that out of the 200 films released in the previous year, only 24 were successful at the box office, resulting in a dismal success rate of just 12%. He estimated that producers suffered losses of Rs 650-700 crore in 2024, and some were even facing financial ruin, with many considering leaving the country.

The root cause of the crisis, according to Sureshkumar, is the high remuneration demanded by actors, which he believes is unsustainable for the industry.