Actor and writer Thampy Antony recently shared an unexpected and dramatic behind-the-scenes incident from the filming of the 2013 Malayalam movie ABCD (American-Born Confused Desi), starring Dulquer Salmaan.

In his column for Mathrubhumi.com, Antony recalled a terrifying moment when an armed American homeowner threatened the film crew at gunpoint, mistaking them for trespassers.  

Directed by Martin Prakkat, ABCD was one of the first Malayalam films extensively shot in the United States. The team filmed several scenes in New Jersey, including at a large mansion.  

According to Antony, the house’s owner had agreed to rent the property for a limited period. However, delays in shooting stretched the schedule beyond the agreed timeframe, which irked him. When he unexpectedly returned home, the crew had just begun filming for the day. Furious, he shouted, “Get out, bast****!”—a reaction that left the entire team in shock.  

Despite efforts to pacify him, the situation escalated further when he noticed people sleeping on his $100,000 dining table. Angered by the perceived disrespect, the house owner stormed into his basement and returned with a gun, shouting, “All of you get out now, or I will shoot you bast****!”  

While the crew scrambled to leave, Dulquer Salmaan, unaware of the commotion, continued working on his laptop. He, pointing the gun at him, demanded, “Why are you here?” Dulquer politely responded that he was the lead actor in the film. Unmoved, he replied, “I don’t care who you are. If you stay inside, I will shoot you.”  

Sensing the gravity of the situation, director Martin Prakkat and cinematographer Jomon T. John quickly pulled Dulquer out of the house. Fortunately, no harm was done, and the team managed to wrap up their shoot.