Kollywood is still reeling under the shock of producer Ashok Kumar's suicide. Ashok, director Sasikumar's cousin, allegedly killed himself unable to bear the harassment and humiliation he was subjected to by financier Anbu Chezhiyan of Gopuram Films.
While there have been murmurs about Anbu Chezhiyan's murky deals in Kollywood previously, they have grown louder with Ashok Kumar's death and alleged suicide note which clearly blames the financier.
Following the statement issued by actor Vishal, the President of the Tamil Nadu Producers' Council, who has come out strongly against financiers who extort money, director Suseenthiran has made a startling claim.
Director Suseenthiran, known for films like Aadhalal Kaadhal Seiveer, has alleged that even Ajith, one of Kollywood's biggest stars, has been threatened by Anbu Chezhiyan.
In a statement which the director tweeted on Wednesday, he said that Ajith too was pushed to the same mental state as Ashok Kumar during the filming of Bala's Naan Kadavul. Ajith was reportedly set to play the lead role in the film but had to back out due to pressure from Anbu Chezhiyan.
— Suseenthiran (@dir_susee) November 22, 2017
The film was eventually done by Arya. Suseenthiran added that prominent members of the industry like filmmakers Lingusamy, Gautham Menon and others had also been harassed by Anbu Chezhiyan.
He appealed to the central government and the IT department to conduct a raid in Anbu Chezhiyan's house.
Meanwhile, Gopuram Films has issued a press release denying their role in Ashok Kumar's suicide and casting aspersions on the authenticity of the suicide note.