|
|
| Pithamagan
controversy still haunts Bala |
|
This
story is worth making into a psychological thriller.
We are referring to the ongoing tussle between
producer V.A. Durai and director Bala. There is
a surprising trend in Bala’s films. Initially
a film would be announced as being produced by
him but it would face several obstacles and finally
another producer would bail out the project. Not
once but twice it has happened in recent times. |
|
| |
When
we found out why, we learnt that it involves a
lot of money and it all started way back during
the making of Pithamagan. It was produced by V.A.
Durai of Evergreen International on a first copy
basis. But by the time the film reached the final
stage, Durai was exhausted as it had overshot
its budget. He held back the salaries of Vikram
and Bala. Vikram approached the Nadigar Sangam
against Durai who defiantly put the blame at Bala’s
door. Bala offered to settle Vikram’s dues
but being a close friend Vikram said no thanks.
Durai went about Kollywood trashing Bala at every
opportunity. An edgy Bala could take it no more
and he challenged Durai by offering a compensation
of Rs. 50 lakhs.
|
|
He
gave a blank cheque to Durai and said that
the latter could encash it when his own
maiden production would hit the silver screen.
He also announced a slew of films under
his banner. For a while, it seemed like
Bala could hold his head high in honour
after the incident. But what followed was
an altogether different story. Mayavi which
was first under Bala was taken over by Kalaipuli
Thanu and the recent Paramasivan also changed
hands from him and released under Kanagaratna
Movies. His next film, Naan kadavul, has
also been handed over to producer Thenappan
and Bala only wears the director’s
cap. Durai is left high and dry with the
cheque in his hands. He seems to be grumbling,
‘enakku oru unmai therinchaganum’!
Allegations are flying thick and fast from
both sides that the other party is playing
double cross. |
|
|
|
Bala
who has had a stormy struggle to become a hit
director is a prisoner of his own actions. These
days, he is so hounded by his own words, the tempestuous
guy loses his temper at the mere mention of check
(or cheque?). |
|
|
|
