The story theft saga in Kollywood is assuming alarming proportions. The Murugadoss directed Sarkar issue had become public with Varun Rajendran, an associate director, going to court claiming ARM had copied his story. Varun was backed by the writers’ association as he had also registered his script. The matter was settled out of court amicably with the claimant getting some space in the credits.
Sarkar’s was one film story that got sorted out. But then there are many other film writers coming out in the open with claims of having written stories that were stolen by filmmakers. Some are for movies that had had their run, but other claims are to do with films of recent vintage. For instance, the Vijay Sethupathi- Trisha blockbuster movie 96 directed by Premkumar is in the crosshairs now.
Suresh, an associate director of ace Bharathiraja, is saying 96 is his story and it had been lifted by Premkumar. The director is saying the former had narrated a romantic love story to him in 2012. Suresh has been working as an associate director to Bharathiraja for the past 10 years. The Sigappu Rojakkal director went on record saying Suresh had narrated the story to his friends, including director Maruthupandian, who has been credited with a ‘Thanks Card’ in the 96 title. The ‘Thanks’ card seems to substantiate their doubts now.
With a few the Gen Next directors like Balaji Dharanithran, Thyagaraja Kumaravel and Maruthupandian supporting him, Premkumar clarifies his stand. “The story of 96 is mine and I had registered it with South Indian Writers Association in 2016. After I completed the script, I discussed it with my friend Balaji Tharaneetharan and later with Vijay Sethupathi. Then, I spoke to producer Nandagopal who gave a go ahead after he was impressed with the story. I moved on to the next stage and sat for the story discussion where Maruthupandian and Balaji were part of it. I had even separately registered that portion of it.”
Prem goes on to say, “We designed the 96 title and released the first look and later promoted the film many times. No one came forward then claiming the story. After the film got released, a person called Vicchu claimed that 96 was his story. Later, Suresh said it was his story and that he had discussed it with Maruthupandi, who in turn has leaked it to me and blamed me of story theft. How can I lift the story from two people?”
There’s no proof behind Suresh’s claim and accusation, Prem reveals. “Moreover, I discussed with Maruthu about the script after I completed my bound copy, he adds. “He never said that he had heard a similar script during story narration or during discussions. There’s also a claim that the heroine character name is Jaanu and the story is set in Thanjavur in his story. In case I had copied it, why would I use the same name and place?”
Prem feels that Suresh should have approached either the Writers Association or gone to court. “He has done neither. I feel they have inner motives. I have solid proof. I am ready to face Suresh legally.”
