Kochi: Malayalam actor and filmmaker Soubin Shahir has received a police notice from the Maradu police in connection with a financial fraud case related to the blockbuster film ‘Manjummel Boys.’ The development comes shortly after the Kerala High Court dismissed a petition seeking to quash criminal proceedings against him and co-producer Shawn Antony.

The High Court ruling cleared the way for the continuation of the police investigation into serious allegations, including forgery, breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy. The case, filed by an investor, claims the producers failed to honour a profit-sharing agreement following the massive success of the film.

IT and ED raids on Parava Films

The case has its roots in financial dealings tied to Parava Films, Soubin Shahir’s production company. In November last year, Income Tax officials conducted a raid at the firm’s Kochi office over suspected black money transactions. The move followed an earlier probe by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), intensifying scrutiny over the production house's finances.

The Ernakulam Magistrate Court subsequently ordered a detailed investigation into the complaint filed by Siraj Valiyathara Hameed, an investor in ‘Manjummel Boys,’ who alleged that the producers reneged on their profit-sharing commitment.

Directed by Chidambaram, ‘Manjummel Boys’ became a record-breaking hit in Malayalam cinema, earning over ₹235 crore worldwide. The film’s streaming rights were acquired by Disney+ Hotstar, adding to its commercial triumph.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Kodaikanal, the film narrates the story of a group of friends from Kochi whose fun trip takes a dramatic turn when they find themselves entangled in an unexpected situation. The movie, inspired by a real incident at the Guna Caves, features an ensemble cast including Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, Ganapathi, Lal Jr., Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Deepak Parambol, Khalid Rahman, Arun Kurian, and Vishnu Raghu.