Unni Mukundan says Vipin Kumar intends to tarnish his reputation: ‘No false rumour can destroy friendship with Tovino Thomas'

Indian Express

27-05-2025

Hours after Unni Mukundan's former manager, Vipin Kumar, accused him of physical assault, the Malayalam actor has reacted to his claims, calling them baseless. In his complaint against Unni, Vipin shared that the actor physically assaulted him within the premises of his apartment complex and used abusive language. Vipin also claimed that the Marco actor has been frustrated due to lack of good projects.
Now, in an interview with Manorama Online, Unni Mukundan said, 'Vipin has taken actions that seem intended to tarnish my reputation.' He shared it was impossible for him to explain the shock and pain to see someone so close turning against him.
Unni added, 'When Vishnu Mohan, the director of Meppadiyan, asked Vipin about the matter, he admitted his mistake and apologised. Later, Vishnu himself called me and suggested that I meet Vipin directly to resolve the issue. I went to the Kochi flat for that reason.'
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The actor further shared that he met Vipin at the parking of his apartment. He was accompanied by Vishnu Unnithan.
'Vipin came out wearing dark sunglasses. I asked him why he was speaking badly about me to others. He didn't give a clear answer and appeared nervous and caught off guard.'
Unni Mukundan admitted that he did break Vipin Kumar's sunglasses out of frustration as he was refusing to look into his eyes and talk. 'Yes, I removed and broke his sunglasses — that is true. But I did not engage in any act that could be called physical assault.'
The actor shared that all of these incidents happened in an area monitored by CCTV.
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Unni Mukundan also reacted to Vipin Kumar's claims of his ill feelings against Tovino Thomas. Calling it a propaganda meant to harm both him and Tovino, Unni shared, 'I personally called Tovino and explained everything — he understood the situation. We have been friends since we entered the industry and share a strong bond. Tovino was someone who celebrated the success of Marco with me. No false rumour can destroy that friendship.'
Unni then listed all the times Vipin created trouble for himself. 'One major criticism against him was that he tried to take full credit for the work. I personally got involved at that time to resolve the matter.' Unni also shared disappointment in his behaviour even after he helped him financially when his father needed heart treatment.
At the end of his statement, Unni shared that he doesn't have a personal manager. Vipin was just a PRO who handled publicity for his film like he does for other actors. He also shared that the only staff he has had in the past decade is his makeup person. 'No staff member has ever made a complaint against me. I am someone who dreams only about cinema and strives to stay sincere to it.'
Previously, in a video shared by Asianet News, Vipin Kumar was heard telling the media, 'I have filed a complaint. I had been working with him for six years. I stayed in that job despite facing teasing and such behaviour from him. He has been frustrated in recent times due to various reasons, including the lack of good projects since Marco and the failure of his most recent film, Get-Set Baby, at the box office. Also, although Sree Gokulam Movies had initially agreed to produce Unni's directorial debut, they later opted out. All of this has contributed to his growing frustration. He often takes out his frustrations on those around him, which is why many people who once worked with him are no longer associated with Unni. How long can I endure all this?'