'Sumathi Valavu' controversy: Producer Venu Kunnappilly slams makers saying, 'I even advised Murali Kunnumpurath not to go ahead'

Murali Kunnumpurath gained attention earlier through the film 'Vellam' starring Jayasurya as it was inspired by his life story. He recently shared an emotional video about his current financial troubles, especially while bankrolling the recently released horror film 'Sumathi Valavu'.Reacting to the issue, producer Venu Kunnappilly spoke openly about the financial troubles surrounding the film 'Sumathi Valavu' by revealing that the project cost nearly Rs 20 crore in total. He had advised Murali against making the film but the warnings went unheeded.Venu Kunnappilly shared his thoughts via a social media post, after seeing Murali’s emotional video. He recalled advising the producer years ago about the story’s weaknesses.He felt the narrative suited a television serial more than a feature film. Despite his suggestion Murali proceeded with the project under external influence.The film was initially planned at Rs 5–6 crore. Production costs later rose to nearly Rs 15 crore.Venu watched the film before its release and was stunned by the final outcome. He estimated that the combined production and release expenses reached close to Rs 20 crore.The 'Mamangam' producer wrote, “Pitfalls in cinema. A video of the producer of the film Sumathi Valavu that is circulating on social media prompted me to write this note. I had heard the story of this film a few years ago. Before the shoot began, I met its producer Murali in Dubai and spoke to him about the weaknesses of the story, which felt like something suited for a serial. I even advised him, as much as possible, not to go ahead with the project. But influenced by those around him, he moved forward."Venu added, "A story that was worth about Rs 5–6 crore ended up costing him nearly Rs 15 crore when made into a film. I had the chance to watch it before release, and I was stunned after seeing it. What I told him then was—never take a film to theatres without doing some form of pre-business. Even though no pre-business happened, Gokulam Movies stepped in and ensured the release. To my knowledge, including both production and release costs, the total spending came close to Rs 20 crore. From what I understand, most of the points he mentioned in his video are true. I am not commenting on the talent of the writer or director mentioned. But when someone is persuaded to invest a large amount of money—whether in cinema or any other business—they should at least pause and ask themselves: do I have the capability? Am I truly equipped for this?""This is not an isolated case. The harsh truth is that hundreds of producers are collapsing financially and walking on the brink of suicide. Many don’t speak out due to fear of losing their reputation. There is also a group in the film industry that lacks even basic sincerity. If you want to see people enjoying arrogance using someone else’s money, just try producing a film. There are people in cinema who don’t care even if the budget doubles or exceeds what was initially planned. Some keep bringing in new producers as the budget rises. There are even those who are unfit not just to direct, but not even capable of holding an umbrella for artists. Unless such people are permanently kept out of the industry, disasters like this will continue. When will the leaders of film associations finally wake up?,” Venu concluded the post.In a video he shared on the last day, 'Sumathi Valavu' producer Murali clarified “I believed it ('Sumathi Valavu') would be a big success. But now my life has completely slipped away. I feel like I have no option other than to die. I haven’t lived enough, I haven’t fulfilled my desires. But because of this film, I lost around Rs 7 crore." He further accused the director Vishnu Sasi Shankar and writer Abhilash Pillai, holding them responsible for the film's failure.