Director Prem files complaint against producer Srinivas over alleged insult
Director Prem has formally filed a complaint against producer Kanakapura Srinivas after claiming Srinivas made highly derogatory statements at a recent film event, sparking controversy within the Kannada film community.
Director Prem has filed a complaint against senior film producer Kanakapura Srinivas at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, citing alleged derogatory remarks made by Srinivas at a recent film-related event. The controversy has drawn attention within the Kannada film industry, as Prem claims the comments targeted him, director AP Arjun, actor Darshan, other producers, and included disrespectful language about late actor Puneeth Rajkumar.
According to Prem, the remarks crossed personal and professional boundaries, prompting him to take both legal and industry-level action. He stated that he set up an office, formed a team, and began working on the script, but repeated attempts to contact the producer yielded no response. Nearly a year of work by him and his team went to waste, as the producer allegedly failed to provide funds for office expenses or team members. Prem further stated that he personally bore expenses, spending a few lakhs from his own pocket, and had to decline other directing opportunities due to his commitment to the project, which he claims resulted in significant losses.
Prem met Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Jayamala and submitted his complaint, stating that Srinivas made highly derogatory statements. The director confirmed that he had already approached the police before escalating the issue to the Film Chamber. In his complaint, Prem detailed his professional association with Srinivas, stating that he has served the Kannada film industry for 25 years and maintained a clean professional record. He said Srinivas had approached him in 2004 through KP Sreekanth, requesting him to direct a film, and paid an advance of Rs 9 lakh.
Speaking to the media, Prem said he chose to respond because Srinivas allegedly made extremely offensive remarks, including comments about mothers. Prem said that while there are platforms like the Film Chamber to discuss and resolve disputes, he would not stoop to the same level of language or behaviour. “He has spoken disrespectfully about several people, including AP Arjun, Appu (Puneeth Rajkumar), Darshan and me. To question my capability, he must first have the credibility himself. One must speak responsibly,” Prem stated.
The dispute is currently being reviewed by both the police and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. Meanwhile, Srinivas reportedly issued a counter statement, challenging Prem to confront him directly, and said he would meet Prem if necessary. The controversy erupted at a recent film event where the producer reportedly verbally abused several known celebrities of the Kannada film industry on stage for allegedly cheating the producer over the years.
Director Prem has filed a complaint against senior film producer Kanakapura Srinivas at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, citing alleged derogatory remarks made by Srinivas at a recent film-related event. The controversy has drawn attention within the Kannada film industry, as Prem claims the comments targeted him, director AP Arjun, actor Darshan, other producers, and included disrespectful language about late actor Puneeth Rajkumar.
According to Prem, the remarks crossed personal and professional boundaries, prompting him to take both legal and industry-level action. He stated that he set up an office, formed a team, and began working on the script, but repeated attempts to contact the producer yielded no response. Nearly a year of work by him and his team went to waste, as the producer allegedly failed to provide funds for office expenses or team members. Prem further stated that he personally bore expenses, spending a few lakhs from his own pocket, and had to decline other directing opportunities due to his commitment to the project, which he claims resulted in significant losses.
Prem met Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Jayamala and submitted his complaint, stating that Srinivas made highly derogatory statements. The director confirmed that he had already approached the police before escalating the issue to the Film Chamber. In his complaint, Prem detailed his professional association with Srinivas, stating that he has served the Kannada film industry for 25 years and maintained a clean professional record. He said Srinivas had approached him in 2004 through KP Sreekanth, requesting him to direct a film, and paid an advance of Rs 9 lakh.
Speaking to the media, Prem said he chose to respond because Srinivas allegedly made extremely offensive remarks, including comments about mothers. Prem said that while there are platforms like the Film Chamber to discuss and resolve disputes, he would not stoop to the same level of language or behaviour. “He has spoken disrespectfully about several people, including AP Arjun, Appu (Puneeth Rajkumar), Darshan and me. To question my capability, he must first have the credibility himself. One must speak responsibly,” Prem stated.
The dispute is currently being reviewed by both the police and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. Meanwhile, Srinivas reportedly issued a counter statement, challenging Prem to confront him directly, and said he would meet Prem if necessary. The controversy erupted at a recent film event where the producer reportedly verbally abused several known celebrities of the Kannada film industry on stage for allegedly cheating the producer over the years.