ENTERTAINMENT, KOLLYWOOD

96 story mired in controversy

DECCAN CHRONICLE. | ANUPAMA SUBRAMANIAN
Published Nov 2, 2018, 12:00 am IST
Updated Nov 2, 2018, 12:07 am IST

Complaints about creativity thefts are becoming common in

Kollywood.

Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha

The story theft saga in Kollywood is assuming alarming

proportions. The Murugadoss directed Sarkar issue had become
public with Varun Rajendran, an associate director, going to
court claiming ARM had copied his story. Varun was backed by
the writers’ association as he had also registered his script. The
matter was settled out of court amicably with the claimant
getting some space in the credits.
Sarkar’s was one film story that got sorted out. But then there
are many other film writers coming out in the open with claims of
having written stories that were stolen by filmmakers. Some are
for movies that had had their run, but other claims are to do with
films of recent vintage. For instance, the Vijay Sethupathi- Trisha
blockbuster movie 96 directed by Premkumar is in the
crosshairs now.

Suresh, an associate director of ace Bharathiraja, is saying 96 is

his story and it had been lifted by Premkumar. The director is
saying the former had narrated a romantic love story to him in
2012. Suresh has been working as an associate director to
Bharathiraja for the past 10 years. The Sigappu Rojakkal
director went on record saying Suresh had narrated the story to
his friends, including director Maruthupandian, who has been
credited with a ‘Thanks Card’ in the 96 title. The ‘Thanks’ card
seems to substantiate their doubts now.

With a few the Gen Next directors like Balaji Dharanithran,

Thyagaraja Kumaravel and Maruthupandian supporting him,
Premkumar clarifies his stand. “The story of 96 is mine and I
had registered it with South Indian Writers Association in 2016.
After I completed the script, I discussed it with my friend Balaji
Tharaneetharan and later with Vijay Sethupathi. Then, I spoke to
producer Nandagopal who gave a go ahead after he was
impressed with the story. I moved on to the next stage and sat
for the story discussion where Maruthupandian and Balaji were
part of it. I had even separately registered that portion of it.”

Prem goes on to say, “We designed the 96 title and released the
first look and later promoted the film many times. No one came
forward then claiming the story. After the film got released, a
person called Vicchu claimed that 96 was his story. Later,
Suresh said it was his story and that he had discussed it with
Maruthupandi, who in turn has leaked it to me and blamed me of
story theft. How can I lift the story from two people?”

There’s no proof behind Suresh’s claim and accusation, Prem

reveals. “Moreover, I discussed with Maruthu about the script
after I completed my bound copy, he adds. “He never said that
he had heard a similar script during story narration or during
discussions. There’s also a claim that the heroine character
name is Jaanu and the story is set in Thanjavur in his story. In
case I had copied it, why would I use the same name and
place?”

Prem feels that Suresh should have approached either the

Writers Association or gone to court. “He has done neither. I feel
they have inner motives. I have solid proof. I am ready to face
Suresh legally.”

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Tags: vijay sethupathi, trisha, kollywood