Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan reveals chat with Tovino Thomas amid rift rumours and ex-manager assault allegations

Time of India

4 days ago

In a week swirling with headlines, whispers of betrayal, and a full-blown media storm, Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan has found himself at the center of a controversy that's part courtroom drama and part celebrity saga. Days after his former assistant Vipin Kumar accused him of physical assault—allegedly over a compliment paid to fellow actor Tovino Thomas—Unni has struck back, not with a fiery statement, but with a cool screenshot.
Yes, a WhatsApp chat may have just put to rest speculations of a superstar rift that fans were ready to blow out of proportion.
One Viral Message, One Giant Clarification
On May 27, 2025, Unni Mukundan took to Instagram to share a glimpse into his conversation with
Tovino Thomas
. The post included a screenshot that showed Tovino sending a 10-second voice note, which Unni responded to with a playful sticker GIF. The rest of the chat continued in a similar light-hearted tone, with the two exchanging stickers of Malayalam legends Mohanlal and Mammootty.
While Tovino has yet to make a public statement, the post came across as Unni's way of saying, 'All's well in Mollywood.' It was an unusual but effective tactic—using friendly banter to crush scandalous rumours.
Unni Mukundan took to Instagram to share a glimpse into his conversation with Tovino Thomas.
Assault Allegation or Misunderstanding? Unni Speaks Out
But a sticker alone can't silence controversy. The root of the scandal lies in serious allegations made by Vipin Kumar, Unni's former assistant. Vipin claimed that Unni assaulted him in his apartment complex and used abusive language—all allegedly triggered by Vipin's praise for Tovino's latest release,
Narivetta
. According to Vipin, the actor lost his cool and lashed out both verbally and physically.
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Responding to these claims in a detailed interview with
Manorama Online
, Unni denied committing any act of assault. He admitted to breaking Vipin's sunglasses during a heated exchange but maintained that there was no physical violence. The incident, he said, occurred in a CCTV-monitored area and in the presence of a mutual friend, Vishnu Unnithan.
'It's Propaganda,' Says Unni
In the interview, Unni went a step further, calling the entire episode 'propaganda' aimed at maligning both him and Tovino. He emphasized that he had personally called Tovino to clarify the situation and asserted that their long-standing friendship—rooted in years of industry camaraderie—remains untarnished.
Unni also revealed more about the souring relationship with Vipin. He claimed that Vipin had been misusing access to his accounts, demanded an apology, and refused to hand back passwords. He also accused Vipin of blackmail and of taking undue credit during the promotions of Unni's 2024 film
Marco
. Adding fuel to the fire, Unni alleged that other complaints—including one from a female actor—had already been filed against Vipin within the industry.
Vipin's Side of the Story
In a video interview with Asianet News, Vipin presented his version of events. He accused Unni of using derogatory language and alleged that the actor has been mentally unstable and professionally frustrated since the underwhelming response to his recent film
Get-Set Baby
. According to Vipin, Unni's short temper was nothing new and that the assault was simply the boiling point of months of internal tension.
A Scandal That Won't Go Quietly
With screenshots, conflicting narratives, and a celebrity friendship under scrutiny, this controversy has all the ingredients of a gripping reel drama. Is it a case of personal betrayal turned bitter, or a storm brewed out of ambition and ego?
Only time—and perhaps more WhatsApp receipts—will tell.
For now, one thing is certain: in the world of stardom, even a sticker can speak volumes.