Back in November 2016, it was speculated that one among Tamannaah, Amala Paul and Parul Yadav would be roped in to reprise Kangana Ranaut’s role in the Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada versions of Bollywood super-hit film Queen. However, the Tamil version of the film made headlines when Tamannaah opted out of the project. It was then said that the film will go on floors in May after the casting issues are sorted out.
Later, the Tamil version, which has been titled Vaanil Thedi Nindren, commenced in May and few scenes were shot by none other than Thiagarajan, who is co-producing the film (under his banner Staar Movies) in all the four languages, alongside a London-based Golden Crab Film Production Limited.
However now, the film has courted a new trouble. Recent reports suggesting that the Tamil and Kannada version will be helmed by Ramesh Arvind have not gone down well with the co-producers Golden Crab Film Production. Karim Tshibangu, CEO of Golden Crab production house, claims that the recent developments of the remakes are happening without the permission of Golden Crab.
Speaking to DC, he recalls the events that happened with the remakes, “The recent proceedings with respect to the remakes of Queen have been shocking. When we signed the contract with Queen’s original producers Viacom 18 motion pictures, we were asked to start the film within three years of signing the contract otherwise the contract would go void. So, we started shooting Vaanil Thedi Nindren in May with actors Nasser.”
Karim also added that Revathi and Tamannaah were in negotiations for the movie. “Tamannaah was busy with quite a number of projects in Tamil and Telugu. So, we thought we will continue talks once she is done with her present commitments. Meanwhile, the contract with Viacom was about to expire in the month of June. We didn’t want to lose the rights, so we decided to go ahead with the shoot without the female lead and director,” he elaborates.
Seeing the reports that Ramesh Arvind will be shooting significant portions in Amsterdam and several places in Europe, Karim and team are furious. “We have obtained an injunction, which means in order to continue filming in UK and Europe, the matter will have to be resolved in the UK High Court of Justice as the rights are rights are registered with the British Film Institute by our company.
Also, Thiagarajan is a co-producer, but he has also included his daughter Preethi’s name as one of the producers. This is absolutely shocking and to know that these are happening without our permission infuriates us. This issue has to be solved amicably or it has to be dealt in the court,” he signs off.
