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Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Unni Mukundan refutes assault allegations, says no physical harm done in dispute with former manager
Actor Unni Mukundan has broken his silence over the recent allegations of assault levelled against him by his former manager, Vipin Kumar. In a press conference held in Kochi, Mukundan clarified that there was no physical assault and that the dispute had been misrepresented. He said, 'This is not a case of assault. There was no physical violence,' the actor said, adding, 'As a friend, I only wanted to confront Vipin about why he was speaking negatively about me. During the heated exchange, I did throw his sunglasses — that is true. But there was no physical contact.' Unni Mukundan further alleged that Vipin Kumar, who managed the actor's career for six years, is already facing multiple complaints from within the film industry. 'There are cases against Vipin in FEFKA. More than one actress has approached film organisations with complaints about him,' he said, adding that Vipin is not a registered member of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala. The controversy erupted following an FIR filed by Vipin Kumar on May 26, accusing Unni Mukundan of physical assault and issuing threats during a confrontation at the basement parking of an apartment complex in Kochi. 'He called me for a meeting. When I arrived, he shouted at me, punched and hit me. Another person had to step in to stop him,' Vipin Kumar told reporters. Kumar claimed that the incident may have been fueled by Unni Mukundan's disappointment over the lukewarm industry response to his recent film Marco. 'After the movie's release, he was disheartened that top directors weren't reaching out. He vented that frustration on me,' Vipin alleged. In response, Unni Mukundan has filed a counter-complaint with the Kerala Director General of Police (DGP), stating that he has been targeted unfairly and maliciously. 'Two weeks ago, I received a call from an unknown number. The caller named several people, including Vipin. That was when I realised something was wrong,' the actor said. Mukundan also addressed a broader pattern of controversies surrounding his career. 'Allegations have been made against me before. Some even said the RSS funded my film Meppadiyan. The truth is I financed that movie by mortgaging my own house,' he said. He also hinted that there might be a larger network behind the current controversy, adding, 'I suspect more people are involved in trying to bring me down.' Reaffirming his respect for his colleagues, Mukundan said he maintains a strong relationship with fellow actor Tovino Thomas, despite rumours. 'I have never said anything about Tovino. We are very close friends,' he clarified. Unni Mukundan expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Kerala for supporting his journey in cinema and added, 'I've worked hard to bring out my films. I will continue to do so with honesty.' The incident comes just months after Unni Mukundan stepped down from his role as Treasurer of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) in January this year, citing mental health and professional strain. His resignation occurred shortly after AMMA's executive committee, including President Mohanlal, tendered their resignations in the wake of the Justice K. Hema Committee Report, which exposed widespread challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry.
India Gazette
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Unni Mukundan refutes assault allegations, says no physical harm done in dispute with former manager
Kochi (Kerala) [India], June 1 (ANI): Actor Unni Mukundan has broken his silence over the recent allegations of assault levelled against him by his former manager, Vipin Kumar. In a press conference held in Kochi, Mukundan clarified that there was no physical assault and that the dispute had been misrepresented. 'This is not a case of assault. There was no physical violence,' the actor said, adding, 'As a friend, I only wanted to confront Vipin about why he was speaking negatively about me. During the heated exchange, I did throw his sunglasses -- that is true. But there was no physical contact.' Mukundan further alleged that Vipin Kumar, who managed the actor's career for six years, is already facing multiple complaints from within the film industry. 'There are cases against Vipin in FEFKA. More than one actress has approached film organisations with complaints about him,' he said, adding that Vipin is not a registered member of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala. The controversy erupted following an FIR filed by Vipin Kumar on May 26, accusing Unni Mukundan of physical assault and issuing threats during a confrontation at the basement parking of Mukundan's apartment complex in Kochi. 'He called me for a meeting. When I arrived, he shouted at me, punched and hit me. Another person had to step in to stop him,' Vipin told reporters. Kumar claimed that the incident may have been fueled by Mukundan's disappointment over the lukewarm industry response to his recent film Marco. 'After the movie's release, he was disheartened that top directors weren't reaching out. He vented that frustration on me,' Vipin alleged. In response, Mukundan has filed a counter-complaint with the Kerala Director General of Police (DGP), stating that he has been targeted unfairly and maliciously. 'Two weeks ago, I received a call from an unknown number. The caller named several people, including Vipin. That was when I realised something was wrong,' the actor said. The actor also addressed a broader pattern of controversies surrounding his career. 'Allegations have been made against me before. Some even said the RSS funded my film Meppadiyan. The truth is, I financed that movie by mortgaging my own house,' he said. He also hinted that there might be a larger network behind the current controversy, adding, 'I suspect more people are involved in trying to bring me down.' Reaffirming his respect for his colleagues, Mukundan said he maintains a strong relationship with fellow actor Tovino Thomas, despite rumours. 'I have never said anything about Tovino. We are very close friends,' he clarified. Mukundan expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Kerala for supporting his journey in cinema and added, 'I've worked hard to bring out my films. I will continue to do so with honesty.' The incident comes just months after Unni Mukundan stepped down from his role as Treasurer of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) in January this year, citing mental health and professional strain. His resignation occurred shortly after AMMA's executive committee, including President Mohanlal, tendered their resignations in the wake of the Justice K. Hema Committee Report, which exposed widespread challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. (ANI)
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India.com
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Unni Mukundan Responds To Assault Allegations By Former Manager Vipin Kumar: There Was No Physical Violence
Kerala: Actor Unni Mukundan has broken his silence over the recent allegations of assault levelled against him by his former manager, Vipin Kumar. In a press conference held in Kochi, Mukundan clarified that there was no physical assault and that the dispute had been misrepresented. "This is not a case of assault. There was no physical violence," the actor said, adding, "As a friend, I only wanted to confront Vipin about why he was speaking negatively about me. During the heated exchange, I did throw his sunglasses -- that is true. But there was no physical contact." Mukundan further alleged that Vipin Kumar, who managed the actor's career for six years, is already facing multiple complaints from within the film industry. "There are cases against Vipin in FEFKA. More than one actress has approached film organisations with complaints about him," he said, adding that Vipin is not a registered member of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala. The controversy erupted following an FIR filed by Vipin Kumar on May 26, accusing Unni Mukundan of physical assault and issuing threats during a confrontation at the basement parking of Mukundan's apartment complex in Kochi. "He called me for a meeting. When I arrived, he shouted at me, punched and hit me. Another person had to step in to stop him," Vipin told reporters. Kumar claimed that the incident may have been fueled by Mukundan's disappointment over the lukewarm industry response to his recent film Marco. "After the movie's release, he was disheartened that top directors weren't reaching out. He vented that frustration on me," Vipin alleged. In response, Mukundan has filed a counter-complaint with the Kerala Director General of Police (DGP), stating that he has been targeted unfairly and maliciously. "Two weeks ago, I received a call from an unknown number. The caller named several people, including Vipin. That was when I realised something was wrong," the actor said. The actor also addressed a broader pattern of controversies surrounding his career. "Allegations have been made against me before. Some even said the RSS funded my film Meppadiyan. The truth is, I financed that movie by mortgaging my own house," he said. He also hinted that there might be a larger network behind the current controversy, adding, "I suspect more people are involved in trying to bring me down." Reaffirming his respect for his colleagues, Mukundan said he maintains a strong relationship with fellow actor Tovino Thomas, despite rumours. "I have never said anything about Tovino. We are very close friends," he clarified. Mukundan expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Kerala for supporting his journey in cinema and added, "I've worked hard to bring out my films. I will continue to do so with honesty." The incident comes just months after Unni Mukundan stepped down from his role as Treasurer of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) in January this year, citing mental health and professional strain. His resignation occurred shortly after AMMA's executive committee, including President Mohanlal, tendered their resignations in the wake of the Justice K. Hema Committee Report, which exposed widespread challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry.
Mint
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Unni Mukundan refutes assault allegations, says no physical harm done in dispute with former manager
Kochi (Kerala) [India], June 1 (ANI): Actor Unni Mukundan has broken his silence over the recent allegations of assault levelled against him by his former manager, Vipin Kumar. In a press conference held in Kochi, Mukundan clarified that there was no physical assault and that the dispute had been misrepresented. "This is not a case of assault. There was no physical violence," the actor said, adding, "As a friend, I only wanted to confront Vipin about why he was speaking negatively about me. During the heated exchange, I did throw his sunglasses -- that is true. But there was no physical contact." Mukundan further alleged that Vipin Kumar, who managed the actor's career for six years, is already facing multiple complaints from within the film industry. "There are cases against Vipin in FEFKA. More than one actress has approached film organisations with complaints about him," he said, adding that Vipin is not a registered member of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala. The controversy erupted following an FIR filed by Vipin Kumar on May 26, accusing Unni Mukundan of physical assault and issuing threats during a confrontation at the basement parking of Mukundan's apartment complex in Kochi. "He called me for a meeting. When I arrived, he shouted at me, punched and hit me. Another person had to step in to stop him," Vipin told reporters. Kumar claimed that the incident may have been fueled by Mukundan's disappointment over the lukewarm industry response to his recent film Marco. "After the movie's release, he was disheartened that top directors weren't reaching out. He vented that frustration on me," Vipin alleged. In response, Mukundan has filed a counter-complaint with the Kerala Director General of Police (DGP), stating that he has been targeted unfairly and maliciously. "Two weeks ago, I received a call from an unknown number. The caller named several people, including Vipin. That was when I realised something was wrong," the actor said. The actor also addressed a broader pattern of controversies surrounding his career. "Allegations have been made against me before. Some even said the RSS funded my film Meppadiyan. The truth is, I financed that movie by mortgaging my own house," he said. He also hinted that there might be a larger network behind the current controversy, adding, "I suspect more people are involved in trying to bring me down." Reaffirming his respect for his colleagues, Mukundan said he maintains a strong relationship with fellow actor Tovino Thomas, despite rumours. "I have never said anything about Tovino. We are very close friends," he clarified. Mukundan expressed his deep gratitude to the people of Kerala for supporting his journey in cinema and added, "I've worked hard to bring out my films. I will continue to do so with honesty." The incident comes just months after Unni Mukundan stepped down from his role as Treasurer of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) in January this year, citing mental health and professional strain. His resignation occurred shortly after AMMA's executive committee, including President Mohanlal, tendered their resignations in the wake of the Justice K. Hema Committee Report, which exposed widespread challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. (ANI)
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?'
