Listin Stephen reacts amid speculation that his controversial remarks targeted Nivin Pauly; Sandra Thomas urges him not to act on behalf of black money lobby

Indian Express

05-05-2025

The spark that film producer Listin Stephen ignited by making a veiled attack on a prominent Malayalam actor without naming him has snowballed into a major controversy, with producer Sandra Thomas also chiming in and speculations rising that he was referring to renowned actor Nivin Pauly. At a recent event, Listin had claimed that a prominent actor had committed a major wrongdoing and warned that if the said actor proceeded ahead with the same mistake, it would cause big problems.
'It's been 10-15 years since I entered Malayalam cinema. I've done quite a few films. A leading actor in Malayalam cinema has committed a serious mistake. It's like lighting a massive firecracker. That was unnecessary. When I say this, the actor will know I'm referring to him. What he did was a serious mistake, and I'm reminding him of that. It should not continue. If it does, it will cause major issues,' he said.
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His comments quickly went viral, prompting many netizens to speculate about whom Listin Stephen was referring to. Meanwhile, a section of social media arrived at the conclusion that the star was Nivin Pauly and that disputes related to the shooting of the under-production film Baby Girl, bankrolled by Listin and starring Nivin, prompted the producer to make such comments.
The situation, meanwhile, escalated further when Sandra Thomas took to social media, alleging that the public statement by Listin, who is also an office bearer of the Kerala Film Producers' Association (KFPA), was inappropriate and violated the organisation's rules. 'The black money lobby outside the state is more interested in keeping all aspects of Malayalam cinema under the control of Listin than he is. The threatening speech made by Listin at a movie promotion event the other day is also seen as part of the conspiracy,' she noted on Facebook. Questioning the association's silence over the matter, she told Manorama Online, 'Only after it appeared that everything was in Listin's hands did he start speaking in a threatening tone.'
'If outside investors stop funding Malayalam cinema, the industry will be completely taken over by loan sharks from other states,' she said, adding that Listin was acting as an agent for them. 'This might bring him short-term profit, but it will ultimately destroy the ecosystem he is part of. He could end up being a victim of the same predatory model he's enabling.'
As the controversy grew bigger, Listin Stephen himself offered clarification that he never mentioned Nivin Pauly's name. He also took potshots at Sandra Thomas, claiming that her remarks stemmed from jealousy and disappointment. 'If I mention the actor's name, the fans will attack,' Listin told Manorama News. He also stated that he would approach the organisations concerned if the issue wasn't resolved quickly. Dubbing Sandra's comments as baseless, Listing reportedly noted that he had chosen to remain silent previously out of respect for her 'as she is a woman'.
At the same time, he also responded to reports that excise officials had seized cannabis from the room of a member of Baby Girl's stunt choreography team. Maintaining that he produces three or four films simultaneously, he questioned how he could possibly monitor everything each person brings to each of these sets. 'An issue happened on the set of Baby Girl. Is it with my knowledge that cannabis was seized from there? Is my job ganja cultivation? If it was from my possession that it was seized, asking me about it makes sense. I produce three or four films at a time. How can I know who is bringing what and where? The best we can do is suspend those who are caught.'
'If a lead actor doesn't give a date to a movie, what will happen to the dates of the co-stars who work in the project? There is a thing called ego. I don't know how to put a price on it. Now, let everyone badmouth me. One day, the truth will come to light. However, even then, they will continue to whitewash him,' he added.