Soubin Shahir’s Sudden Arrest Stuns Coolie Team

The Malayalam film world was caught off guard when actor and producer Soubin Shahir was arrested in a financial fraud case linked to the hit film Manjummel Boys. Soubin, along with producers Babu Shahir and Shawn Anthony, was picked up by Maradu police on charges filed by an investor. The arrest comes at a crucial time, especially with Soubin’s involvement in Superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Coolie, leaving the team shocked.

The case was filed by Siraj Valiyaveettil, who claimed he had invested ₹7 crore into Manjummel Boys after being told the film’s budget was ₹22 crore. He later found that only ₹18.65 crore was actually spent. Siraj also said he never received the 40% profit share he was promised. The police said the accused even misled investors by claiming the first schedule of the shoot was done before the film actually began.

Though the arrest grabbed headlines, the three were quickly granted anticipatory bail by the Kerala High Court. The court made it clear they couldn’t be taken into custody but told them to cooperate with the investigation. Attempts by the accused to get the case dismissed were also turned down, meaning the legal battle is still very much alive.

Manjummel Boys, directed by Chidambaram, is based on a 2006 Guna Caves incident. The film was a major hit, earning over ₹240 crore, with actors like Sreenath Bhasi and Deepak Parambol. But now, with a producer facing a police case, the film’s success is clouded by controversy.