Soothravakyam Controversy: The Malayalam film industry is once again navigating sensitive terrain after actor Vinci publicly spoke out about a distressing experience on the set of Soothravakyam. While the specifics of the allegations remain private, the ripple effect has been public — prompting an official statement from the film’s producer, Srikanth Kandragula.
His response, delivered in Telugu with quiet restraint, does not downplay the gravity of the situation. Nor does it veer into denial or dramatization. Instead, it walks a tightrope — acknowledging Vinci’s courage, defending the crew’s integrity, and calling for a due process led by transparency and truth.
Acknowledging Courage, Not Silencing It
Kandragula’s statement opens with respect — not resistance. He praises Vinci for speaking up, recognizing that sharing personal trauma in the public domain requires a level of strength that few possess.
“I respect her courage,” he says. “In a society that still shames victims more than it shames silence, her decision to speak is something I admire.”
It’s a departure from the often knee-jerk defensiveness with which the industry has historically responded to such claims.
The Film, The Crew, The Fallout
With the investigation pending, the statement is also a plea: to not conflate an individual case with an entire production.
Kandragula reminds audiences that over 300 cast and crew members worked tirelessly on Soothravakyam, many of whom are first-time talents, junior artists, or freelance technicians who now find themselves collateral damage in an online war of narratives.
“Please don’t kill the film for something I didn’t do,” he says. “Don’t punish those who had nothing to do with this.”
Zero Room for Cover-Ups
Srikanth confirmed that an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) hearing, along with a Film Chamber meeting, is scheduled for April 21. He pledged full cooperation.
He also clarified that there were no past complaints or prior incidents reported during the 40-day shoot, but expressed openness to any new information brought to light.
“We have nothing to hide. Justice should happen — the right way, not the loudest way.”
Rumors, Marketing Accusations, and The Drug Allegations
One of the more viral offshoots of the controversy included speculation that the incident was being used as a marketing stunt. Another thread hinted at drug use on set.
Kandragula dismissed both.
“This isn’t PR. It’s pain,” he clarified. “To weaponize something so sensitive for publicity is unthinkable. And to my knowledge, there were no drugs on set — just 40 days of sleepless hard work.”
Between Two Fires: A Film’s Future and a Culture’s Reckoning
As the dust settles, the case is likely to become a larger conversation — about how Indian cinema handles allegations, how sets are managed, and how power dynamics operate behind the scenes.
Srikanth Kandragula’s statement doesn’t attempt to be the final word. It aims to be a starting point — of reflection, of fair inquiry, and of a film industry slowly waking up to the fact that ignoring discomfort is no longer an option.
“I didn’t come to this industry for fame,” he said. “I came for the art. I still believe in it. I just hope it survives this.”
Summary:
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Srikanth Kandragula responds to Soothravakyam controversy with a calm, clear statement.
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Commends actor Vinci’s courage and calls for a transparent ICC inquiry.
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Denies rumors of a marketing stunt and drug use on set.
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Asks public to separate the film’s cast and crew from the controversy.
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