Mohanlal and Antony Perumbavoor in ‘Oppam’ photo controversy – Here’s what happened

What's the 'Oppam' photo controversy - here's what happened

The Chalakkudy Munsiff Court has ruled that Antony Perumbavoor, the producer of Oppam, starring Mohanlal, must pay Rs 1 lakh in compensation and Rs 1,68,000 in court expenses for using a teacher’s photograph without permission. According to News 18, the complaint was filed by Prinzy Francis, a faculty member at Asmabi College, Kodungallur, and the wife of Saji Joseph from Vadakkumcherry Vattoli.

The case was filed through Advocate P. Narayanan Kutty, with Prinzy Francis and Saji Joseph stressing that their fight was not just personal but a matter of social responsibility. They hoped to ensure that ordinary women would receive justice in similar cases.

Francis revealed that the legal battle lasted over seven years and cost them more than Rs 2 lakh in expenses. She expressed frustration over the delay in justice, stating that the filmmakers never considered the issue significant despite using her image without consent.

Drawing parallels with the ongoing Empuraan controversy, Francis pointed out how the filmmakers were willing to make scene cuts when needed but refused to blur or remove her photograph from Oppam. She criticized their continued denial, stating that the court has now clearly ordered the removal of her image from the film. She also stated that the makers were arguing that the photo used in the movie was not her.