Box Office Hit, Financial Mystery: ED Probes Manjummel Boys' Money Trail
Reports indicate that Shawn Antony, one of the producers, has already been questioned by the ED.
By: Tupaki Desk | 13 Jun 2024 5:08 AM GMTDespite its massive box office success, a shadow of controversy now looms over the makers of Manjummel Boys. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), a financial investigation agency in India, has launched a probe into alleged money laundering surrounding the film.
Reports indicate that Shawn Antony, one of the producers, has already been questioned by the ED. As the investigation unfolds, the agency is expected to send a second notice to the Malayalam filmmakers, with actor and producer Soubin Shahir also likely to face questioning.
Manjummel Boys stormed the box office earlier this year, captivating audiences with its thrilling narrative and reigniting interest in high-quality Malayalam cinema. The film shattered box office records, grossing a staggering Rs 200 crore worldwide, a benchmark achievement for both the film itself and the Malayalam film industry as a whole.
However, this financial success has been overshadowed by allegations of financial impropriety. According to reports, an investor named Siraj Valiyathara Hameed filed a complaint against the producers, accusing them of money laundering and cheating. The crux of the complaint lies in an alleged broken promise. Hameed claims he was promised a 40% share of the film's profits in exchange for his investment. Despite the film's phenomenal box office performance, the makers reportedly reneged on their promise, prompting Hameed to file a case.