Veteran Malayalam filmmaker Sanal Sasidharan, known for his critically acclaimed works like S Durga, Chola, and Vazhakku, has publicly accused the makers of the hit film Thudarum, starring Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, of plagiarizing his script for the unreleased movie Theeyattam.
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In a detailed post shared on Facebook, Sasidharan claimed that Thudarum borrows the entire narrative “skeleton” from Theeyattam, a script he originally penned in 2020. He expressed strong dismay at the similarities, questioning whether they arise from a lack of intelligence or a calculated effort to cover the tracks.
The Accusation: Shared Plot Premise and Dialogue
The director outlined the core of his allegation: Theeyattam tells the story of Ambi, an auto-rickshaw driver who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation when a body is found in his vehicle. According to Sasidharan, Thudarum follows an almost identical storyline.
Moreover, the filmmaker pointed to a near-verbatim usage of one of his script’s most pivotal lines: “Konnaal paapam thinnaal theerum,” loosely translated as “a sin is absolved by consumption.” Sasidharan described its inclusion in Thudarum as a significant “slip-up” by its creators—an oversight he believes strengthens his plagiarism claim .
Facebook Post Sparks Debate
In his post, written in Malayalam and translated for wider audiences, Sasidharan said, “I saw the movie Thudarum. It’s made by stealing the skeleton of my screenplay, Theeyattam, which I wrote in 2020.” He went on to question whether the filmmakers lacked the intelligence to disguise their source material or were deliberately hiding it .
To highlight his point, Sasidharan pledged to publish his original screenplay on Facebook soon. “Since five years is a long period, it’s possible that they may have forgotten about it. I will be publishing my screenplay here soon,” he wrote, signaling his intent to let the public and industry compare both works directly.
A Film Shelved and a Story Pitched
Sasidharan revealed that after completing his Theeyattam script, he actively pitched the story to high-profile Malayalam talents, including actress Manju Warrier, actor Tovino Thomas, and actor Sudheer Karamana. Although the project seemed promising, it was eventually shelved “for unknown reasons.”
The abrupt shelving means that as of now, Theeyattam exists only in script form, while Thudarum became a commercial success, grossing over ₹150 crore worldwide on a modest budget.
Thudarum: From Budget Flick to Box Office Blockbuster
Directed by Tharun Moorthy and featuring Mohanlal in the lead role, Thudarum has been celebrated as one of the surprise hits in Malayalam cinema this year. Made on a relatively small budget, the film’s explosive box-office performance has helped it cross the ₹150‑crore threshold globally, earning both critical acclaim and mass audience approval.
This meteoric success amplifies the stakes of the plagiarism allegation—if Sasidharan’s claims are validated, the situation could provoke significant backlash over originality and credits in the industry.
Implications for the Malayalam Film Industry
Normalizing Story Ownership
Sasidharan’s claims bring a spotlight to the broader issue of story ownership and originality in regional Indian cinema. While inspiration and homage are common, formal accusations of narrative theft—directly borrowing plotlines, character arcs, or dialogues—raise serious ethical and legal questions.
Need for Transparent Scripting Processes
This case may provoke discussions around scripting protocols in Malayalam cinema. Should there be greater transparency and due diligence when using scripts pitched by independent filmmakers? Should provisions for script registration, timestamped certifications, or guardian oversight be made standard?
Public vs. Legal Recognition
Sasidharan has chosen the court of public opinion first—by planning to release the Theeyattam script online—not by filing formal legal action. It remains unclear whether he intends to pursue legal redress, but the impact on audiences and industry sentiment could be substantial before any judicial determination.
Context: Sanal Sasidharan’s Filmography
A respected figure in the Malayalam new-wave cinema, Sasidharan has built a reputation by addressing social issues and unconventional narratives. His earlier films include:
- S Durga (also known as Sexy Durga) — a gripping psychological drama,
- Chola — an exploration of feudal caste dynamics, and
- Vazhakku — a critique of justice systems and social power structures.
His allegation of idea appropriation not only questions the ethical conduct behind Thudarum’s production but also underscores the precarious position of independent filmmakers in India.
Looking Ahead
Sanal Sasidharan’s plagiarism claims have stirred considerable attention in Malayalam cinema. As Thudarum continues to enjoy box-office success, the director’s move to publish his unpublished screenplay puts pressure on the film’s producers to respond.
The unfolding of this situation is likely to spark broader conversations within the industry—about script originality, credit norms, and safeguarding the creative rights of storytellers. For viewers, insiders, and independent artists alike, this brewing controversy may redefine how stories are credited and contested in regional filmmaking.
By – Sonali