It is more or less certain that
Avantika Shetty will no longer be part of the film
Raju Kannada Medium
. After allegation of harassment on the sets of the film, the filmmakers have announced that she is no longer part of the film. But Avantika's post online on Saturday listed out her side of the story.
First, she claimed she was disgusted and felt helpless for becoming “yet another victim of the way women are objectified by certain kind of men in an industry.“ She claimed to have “sensed that it wasn't my performance the producer and the director were really bothered about.“ Secondly, a cheque that was part of her remuneration was cancelled though she had completed most of the shooting, except one song. She had filed a case in a court in Bengaluru and also filed a complaint with the
Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce
. The issue soon turned out be allegations of sexual harassment during the shooting — a lightman's comment about her, a soundman allegedly touching her, and the director saying she was not `friendly' with others.
Suresh has clarified that the director's comment was about Avantika remaining secluded in her caravan during shooting. He also claims that it was a `stop payment' and not a case of cheque being dishonoured.According to him, Avantika has acted in the film for only 15 out of the 40 days she had signed up for. Avantika claims that 99% of her shooting is complete.
The case about the cheque will continue in the court and
KFCC
may call them both for a truce. But sources in the film say that it is certain that portions already shot of Avantika will be cut and a new leading lady will be part of the film.
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