Bengaluru: Karnataka Police have filed an FIR against five people, including a woman, following a complaint by Kannada superstar Yash’s mother, Pushpa, who is also a film producer. The FIR, registered at the High Grounds police station in Bengaluru on Wednesday, names PRO Harish Urs, Manu, Nitin, Mahesh Guru and Swarnalatha as the accused.

According to police, Pushpa produced the film 'Kottalawadi' and alleged that the accused took Rs 64 lakh but failed to carry out the promised publicity work. She further claimed that instead of promoting the film, they actively attempted to undermine it. Pushpa has also accused them of blackmail and issuing threats.

Speaking to the media, Pushpa said, “Accused Harish Urs took money from us for film publicity. He had agreed to handle publicity work for Rs 23 lakh initially. He also took money during the shooting. When the film was ready for release, he told the director that if he asked for accounts, he would ensure the film was de-promoted.”

She added that when they later asked for an account of the spending, the accused allegedly threatened and blackmailed the director for more money. “ In this background, we obtained an injunction order from the court and lodged a police complaint,” she said.

Pushpa also alleged that the accused Swarnalatha and Guru threatened the director, claiming they had media influence and could circulate negative stories about her and the director. She said they had submitted all documents related to the alleged threats to the police and also approached the Film Chamber of Commerce and the PR Association in Bengaluru.

“Since we come from a celebrity family, we do not want complications, so we filed a police complaint,” she said.

Pushpa alleged that the blackmail began a week before the film’s release and that no financial accounts have been provided to date. She also claimed that two associates of the accused spread false propaganda that Yash and his family had not made any payments.

“When the film was released, negative propaganda was circulated. Many others have also been cheated by him, but they are afraid to come forward,” she said.

IANS