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Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan reveals chat with Tovino Thomas amid rift rumours and ex-manager assault allegations
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. You Might Also Like: Unni Mukundan defends 'Marco' amid Shine Tom Chacko's drug case arrest: 'It doesn't encourage...' 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.
Pink Villa
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Unni Mukundan shares screenshot of his chat with Tovino Thomas amid alleged spat over Narivetta's success
Trigger Warning: This article includes references to physical assault. Unni Mukundan has been in the news after his manager, Vipin, accused him of physical assault, after the latter praised Tovino Thomas' film Narivetta. The Marco actor has already clarified the false allegations being made about him, stating that no physical altercation occurred during their confrontation. Moreover, Unni Mukundan addressed claims of being angry and jealous over Tovino's success and revealed that these were mere propaganda tactics intended to tarnish the reputation of both actors. Unni Mukundan gets an audio message from Tovino Thomas While Unni Mukundan had previously mentioned that everything was sorted out between him and Tovino Thomas regarding the incident that occurred, he now took to his Instagram stories. He shared a screenshot of his chats with the Narivetta star. It seems the latter has sent an audio message to the Get Set Baby actor, indicating how everything between them is in good spirits. Unni Mukundan and Tovino Thomas bond over their favorite actor One of the key highlights of the chats between the two Mollywood actors was their shared love and adoration for superstar Mohanlal. The duo could be seen sharing memes and stickers of the senior actor, suggesting that all is truly well between them. Unni Mukundan revealed his phone call with Tovino Thomas Previously, in an interview with Manorama Online, Unni Mukundan spilled the beans on the phone conversation he had with Tovino Thomas after the incorrect accusations made by the former's manager, Vipin. He explained, 'I personally called Tovino and explained everything — he understood the situation. We've 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 rumor can destroy that friendship."
News18
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Unni Mukundan Denies Assault Claims, Says It's A Plot Against Friendship With Tovino
Last Updated: Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan is accused of abuse by former manager Vipin Kumar. Unni denies it though. Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan is facing accusations of physical and verbal abuse from his former manager. According to a report by Matrubhumi, Vipin Kumar, the ex-manager, has lodged a complaint with the Info Park Police in Kochi after receiving hospital treatment for his injuries. In the latest update, Unni Mukundan has denied all the claims. Speaking to Manorama Online, Mukundan confirmed visiting Vipin's flat in Kochi with a mutual friend, Vishnu Unnithan, but said their discussion happened in an area covered by CCTV. Unni accused Vipin of trying to damage his reputation and said he had gone there only to question him about it. 'Yes, I removed and broke his sunglasses, but I did not engage in any act that could be called physical assault," said Unni, adding, 'I personally called Tovino and explained the situation. We've been friends since we entered the industry and share a strong bond. No false rumour can destroy that friendship." Unni further claimed that he had asked Vipin to return passwords to his accounts and write an apology. He accused the former PR manager of blackmail and of taking undue credit during the promotions of Marco. Unni also alleged that several complaints have been made against Vipin within the film industry, including one by a female actor to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). After lodging a complaint with the Info Park police in Kochi, Vipin spoke to the media, saying, 'I did promotions for Tovino Thomas' Narivetta. I had posted praising the film, which Unni didn't like. He called me that night and asked me to stop working for him. I said okay." Vipin alleged that Unni called him to the parking area of his building on Monday, where the assault took place. According to the FIR, Unni allegedly punched him in the face, broke his sunglasses, and threatened to kill him. 'He beat me up after abusing me…I worked with him for six years. I am a PR consultant and work with other actors, he knows that. He's frustrated that he didn't get good films after Marco. Even Get Set Baby failed at the box office. He was supposed to direct a film, but Gokulam Movies withdrew. He is showing that frustration on the people around him. None of them are with him now. Even I have my limits," claimed Vipin. Theb charges against Unni range under sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 296(b) (uttering obscene songs, ballads, or words in a public place), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 324(4) and 324(5) (causing loss or damage) of Bhariya Nayay Sanhitha (BNS). Moreover, Vipin also filed a complaint against Unni with FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala) and AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists). First Published:
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Unni Mukundan says Vipin Kumar intends to tarnish his reputation: ‘No false rumour can destroy friendship with Tovino Thomas'
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.' Also Read | 'Unni Mukundan assaulted me for praising Tovino Thomas' Narivetta': Former manager alleges actor is 'frustrated' about post-Marco career 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. ALSO READ | Sandeep Reddy Vanga slams Deepika Padukone for playing 'dirty PR games', 'putting down a younger actor' after being replaced by Triptii Dimri | Controversy explained 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?'
Pink Villa
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Unni Mukundan BREAKS SILENCE on controversy with manager, reveals his phone call conversation with Tovino Thomas
Trigger Warning: This article includes references to physical assault. Actor Unni Mukundan has finally responded to the allegations made by his manager, Vipin Kumar. After being accused of allegedly assaulting him, the Marco star shared a detailed statement with Manorama Online. He clarified that no physical harm was done during the confrontation and called the accusations completely baseless. No physical assault happened, says Unni Mukundan Unni Mukundan clarified that while he did confront Vipin, there was no physical harm caused. He said the discussion took place in the basement parking area of a Kochi apartment complex and it was under constant CCTV surveillance. Their mutual friend Vishnu Unnithan was present during the encounter. The Get-Set Baby actor said that he had gone to meet his manager following a suggestion from director Vishnu Mohan, who had earlier spoken to Vipin and received an apology. Unni said he wanted to understand why someone he trusted would speak against him behind his back. Unni Mukundan demands an apology from Vipin In his statement, Unni Mukundan admitted that he did break Vipin's sunglasses as he was furious during the confrontation. He claimed that the manager appeared nervous and avoided eye contact when asked to explain his actions. The Marco actor said he requested Vipin to remove his sunglasses so they could talk directly. However, he insisted that there was no act of violence beyond this. He added that people were present during the entire incident and that the area was under camera surveillance. He also said that Vipin apologized in front of Vishnu and that he ended their professional relationship on the spot. Unni shared that he had asked Vipin to return access to his digital accounts and submit a written apology. He said, "He's now in damage control mode, trying to cover up his mistakes by making childish accusations." Unni Mukundan opens up about his conversation with Tovino Thomas The actor dismissed rumours suggesting he had a problem with Tovino Thomas or the film Narivetta. He called those claims "propaganda" aimed at damaging both his and the latter's reputations. Unni said he had personally called Tovino to clear the air and that their friendship remains unaffected. He said, "I personally called Tovino and explained everything — he understood the situation. We've 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's allegations against Vipin Kumar Unni alleged that Vipin has a history of complaints against him from within the film industry. He said a prominent actress had filed an ICC complaint against him and that issues also arose during the promotions of Marco. Unni claimed that Vipin often tried to take credit for the team's efforts and that he had stepped in to resolve matters at that time. He also mentioned having supported Vipin during a family medical crisis, offering financial help when Vipin's father needed treatment. He expressed disappointment that, despite his support, Vipin was now allegedly trying to blackmail him. Unni clarified that Vipin was never his personal manager. According to him, Vipin only handled promotional activities and worked with several actors across the industry. Unni's appeal to the public Unni ended his statement by urging the public not to jump to conclusions based on rumours. He said it was easy to spread misleading stories about celebrities, but the truth often goes unheard. He asked everyone to verify facts before forming opinions.
