Producer Sandip Senan has lodged an FIR after ‘Vilaayath Budha’, directed by Jayan Nambiar and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, became the target of what he describes as a coordinated cyber attack. The complaint, filed at the Ernakulam North Police Station, accuses a YouTube channel of spreading religious and political hate propaganda under the guise of a film review.

According to Senan’s complaint, the channel First Reporter Online posted a video soon after the film’s release, misrepresenting its content and pushing narratives that he says were aimed at provoking communal tensions. He alleged that the video manipulated scenes from the film and portrayed them in a manner intended to insult religious and political groups.

YouTube video accused of hate propaganda

Senan stated that the channel’s video amounted to cyber terrorism, claiming it attempted to create religious polarisation while damaging the film’s reputation. The producer also said the video made personal attacks against the cast and crew, and accused the lead actor of pushing an anti-Hindutva agenda. The video further suggested that the film had failed at the box office due to Prithviraj’s recent political positions.

The producer questioned how such claims could be made when the video appeared within just 48 hours of the film’s release. He noted that the content was designed to influence public perception rapidly and inflict harm on the project.

Financial loss and concerns about communal tension

Senan, who has invested nearly ₹40 crore over the past five years to bring ‘Vilaayath Budha’ to the screen, said the false narratives were causing significant financial damage. He also warned that such polarising videos have the potential to aggravate communal sentiments within society.

The complaint urges authorities to take stringent action against individuals and platforms that use digital spaces to target films and filmmakers through fabricated content.

Following the complaint, police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the YouTube channel’s activities. Authorities are examining the video and related materials to determine whether criminal intent and deliberate misinformation were involved.

About the film

‘Vilaayath Budha’, produced by Sandip Senan under Urvasi Theatres in association with AV Anoop for AVA Productions, is based on GR Indugopan’s acclaimed novel of the same name. The screenplay is written by Indugopan and Rajesh Pinnadan. The cast features Shammi Thilakan, Rajashree, Priyamvada, Anu Mohan, TJ Arunachalam and others.