My film with Dileep will happen any time, says B Unnikrishnan

In a twist like in his movies, director B. Unnikrishnan, who has so far extended his support to the assaulted actress, has ‘reportedly’ announced a movie starring Dileep, the actor accused in the case. The news was quick to stir a hornet's nest with social media buzzing with people supporting and opposing the director. Reacting to the rumours, Unnikrishnan says, “This film with Dileep is not a new announcement. It was committed long back – in 2013 while I was directing Mohanlal-starrer Mr Fraud. But later, Dileep couldn't schedule his dates for the project and then I narrated the script to Mohanlal after making some changes. But Mohanlal said it was a script tailor-made for Dileep and that it would be better if I worked on it with him itself.”

Interestingly, Unnikrishnan, who is the general secretary of Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), had last week told Kerala Chronicle that the association under his leadership wouldn't take back Dileep to its fold until his innocence in the case was proved.  The latest turn of events has, however, aroused curiosity about the stance of the director of movies such as Villain, Grandmaster and  Mr Fraud. Unnikrishnan maintains that he has been a professional throughout. “Filmmakers are bound to be professional and I am answerable to the producers who spend money for their movies,” he says.

“I have no doubts about the talent of Dileep as an actor. Our film together is supposed to happen anytime in future. That is entirely professional and as far as my knowledge is concerned, there is no issue on an actor working on a film even if he/she is not a part of any association related to the industry,” he says, adding that for him, working with Dileep is the same as working with Mohanlal or Suraj Venjaramood.  However, he rubbishes the news reports that the project will start by mid-July. “How can I sit here and talk to you so calmly if I am going to start a movie this month. I am not going to start any movie this month,” he says.

Earlier, film maker Aashiq Abu had accused Unnikrishnan of taking sides with Dileep in the current split in Mollywood over AMMA reinducting Dileep to its fold. Asked about it, Unnikrishnan says it’s unfair to connect that issue to his professional life. “I will talk to Aashiq about that matter,” he says, adding that he is not the sole filmmaker working with Dileep.  

He also reveals that more prominent directors are awaiting Dileep’s nod for projects. “Dileep has already committed to Shafi. Other prominent directors are also awaiting his dates,” says the director.   Unnikrishnan also has a Telugu movie in the pipeline. “As a director, I am passionate about movies and my job is to cast an actor suited for the role in my film. And I would definitely let the media know when I am about to start the project with Dileep,” he concludes.