Fresh controversy recently emerged around the Malayalam film ‘Aja: Sundari’ after local traders in Vilangad, Kozhikode raised allegations regarding unpaid dues linked to the film’s production activities.According to Asianet News, the complaints claimed that payments for goods supplied during the film’s shooting schedule remained unsettled. Reports say that several businesses in the area were affected. The issue reportedly involved multiple local vendors who had supplied products and services during filming.
Traders raise allegations against ‘Aja: Sundari film team
The matter came to light after traders from Vilangad alleged that the film unit had not cleared payments for items purchased during the shooting period.The complaints reportedly came from vegetable sellers, milk suppliers, grocery store owners, and meat vendors in the locality.According to the allegations, four local shops suffered financial losses amounting to several lakhs due to pending payments.
Aashiq Abu responds to the issue
Producer Aashiq Abu has now issued a detailed clarification regarding the matter. He stated that OPM Cinemas had assigned food-related responsibilities to a Vadakara native named Sajith during the period when shooting took place in Vilangad. According to Aashiq, Sajith had been entrusted with managing food arrangements for the unit.The producer explained that the production company had transferred funds for that purpose and maintained proper documentation of those transactions. The response was issued through an official statement released under the banner of OPM Cinemas.Aashiq Abu’s statement reads, “Through 15 transactions, we transferred Rs 25 lakh to Sajith. The money was intended for purchasing supplies and clearing pending payments to local traders. We have proper records of all these transactions. Even after receiving the full amount Sajith failed to pay the traders.”
Complaints filed against Sajith
The producer further explained the actions taken after the complaints reached the team’s attention.He said, “As soon as we became aware of the complaints from the traders, we immediately withheld the final payment due to Sajith. We also filed official complaints with FEFKA and the Kerala Film Producers Association. Yesterday we lodged a complaint against Sajith at the Valayam Police Station in Kozhikode regarding financial irregularities.”Aashiq also assured that affected traders would receive their pending payments regardless of the outcome of the legal process.He added, “Regardless of who is legally at fault, OPM Cinemas takes complete responsibility for ensuring that every trader in Vilangad receives their money. We have already started collecting bills and bank account details from the affected traders. All pending payments will be settled directly by us.The trust, love and support shown by the people of Vilangad during the shooting were invaluable to us. We will never abandon them.”‘Aja: Sundari’ features Joju George and Lijomol Jose in lead roles. The film is written, directed, and edited by Manu Antony.
