The Kannada film sector is in the middle of intense lawsuits and professional disputes. Prem now formally claims that Kanakapura Srinivas (R.S. Srinivas), veteran producer, is the source of the complaint. The move follows several explosive comments made recently by the producer about Prem amid an act against a number of different industry technicians in a public event held recently.
The Spark of the Dispute
A few days ago Kanakapura Srinivas appeared at a cinema-related event where he voiced deep dismay about the industry. He said he had been lied to by several individuals and described himself as a casualty of “villainous” actions in the film fraternity. For his part, he appointed Director Prem and music composer Arjun Janya, alleging Prem took money which wasn’t delivered on time creating massive economic losses.
Prem’s Rebuttal At The Film Chamber
Contrary to this, Director Prem actually visited the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) and lodged a formal complaint with the new president Jayamala. Prem, in his lengthy letter, emphasised his 25-year unblemished track record in the Kannada film industry. He explained that he had been working with Srinivas since 2004:
- Initial Payment- Prem revealed that he received ₹9 lakhs (₹5 lakh from check and ₹4 lakh in cash) early on by K.P.Srikant to direct a movie for Srinivas in 2004.
- The Struggle: Prem said he built an office and employed a team to work on the script. Although he called and got no response from the producer once the script was ready, he received nothing for one year.
- Personal Loss : Prem alleges that since the producer went missing, he had to bear office salary cost and salaries of assistant directors himself, which amounts for almost ₹15–20 lakhs.
- Opportunity Cost: The director also alleged that by waiting around for Srinivas, he rejected a number of other lucrative ventures resulting in a loss of crores of rupees.
"My Reputation is at Stake."
Prem, writing in a grievance to Jayamala, said he felt hurt by Srinivas's comment that "everyone who worked with Prem lost money." Prem said he always put out hits for his producers, that it was actually Srinivas who wasted his time and resources two decades ago.
The KFCC will be required to adjudicate between the seasoned producer and the director to settle matters.
