Sandra Thomas stands firm as FEFKA union slaps Rs 50 Lakh defamation suit over comments on production controllers

Malayalam film producer Sandra Thomas has landed in legal trouble following a controversial interview where she openly criticized the relevance and functioning of production controllers in the Malayalam film industry.As reported by On Manorama, the FEFKA Production Executive Union has now filed a defamation case against her, accusing her of making derogatory and damaging remarks that allegedly tarnish the image of their members.Reportedly, the union has approached the Ernakulam sub-court seeking Rs 50 lakh in damages, stating that Sandra's comments undermined the vital role production controllers play in filmmaking.

“I stand by my words,” says Sandra ThomasReacting to the case, Sandra Thomas maintained her stance.

In a Facebook post she wrote,“ Standing firm in the stand ! No step back from what was said, will face the case legally. No official notification has been received from the legal systems other than the information through the media, appropriate legal actions will be taken as soon as possible.”“I said it out of sheer frustration” In an interview, given to a YouTube channel two months ago, Sandra did not mince words. She claimed that many production controllers are functioning more like artist managers than production professionals, "They are now functioning more like artist managers.

The title should be changed from 'Production Controller' to 'Artist Manager'.” She further said that the production controllers don’t even have a basic understanding of production control.She further alleged widespread misuse of the role, claiming that many have personally benefited. "When a production controller gets involved, everything gets cut. Many of them have gone on to buy flats, houses, and cars," she said.Sandra Thomas further alleged, "I’ve even told some of them — if you’re going to take something, at least do it in a way that I don’t catch it. Yes, I said it out of sheer frustration."Sandra also accused FEFKA of exerting pressure to retain production controllers, saying producers lack the freedom to replace them.