Joby George reveals 16 crore loss on 'Valathuvashathe Kallan'; Calls out stars skipping promotions

Amid the recent issue regarding actor Biju Menon skipping movie promotions as alleged by director B Unnikrishnan, the producer Joby George has admitted that 'Valathuvashathe Kallan' became the banner’s first loss-making film. As reported by Asianet News, Joby George clarified that the banner did not produce the film. They only handled distribution. The film reached theatres with a total spend of Rs 16 crore. Joby said they stepped in because they believed in supporting people they had earlier worked with.Joby stated, “Valathuvashathe Kallan is Goodwill’s first loss-making film. But it’s not a film owned by Goodwill Entertainments. We only distributed it.

Goodwill had stepped in to help someone. I’m someone who believes that we must remember the kindness shown to us in life. We must show gratitude for the food we eat.”

Financial crisis and production struggles

Joby explained how his relationship with producer Shaji Nadesan influenced his decision. Their earlier collaborations, especially the songs from Nadesan’s films, had created goodwill and personal gratitude. But Shaji Nadesan was facing failure and financial stress, with his last two films, 'Ottu' and 'Grrr', underperforming.

Joby added that the new film began when Jeethu Joseph’s dates became available. Some individuals had initially promised financial support. But they backed out midway, leaving the production in crisis. That was when Joby intervened.Joby said he asked for distribution rights after understanding the crisis. He reduced the usual distributor percentage from 10% to 5%.The producer then advanced Rs 6.5 crore, as per a formal agreement.

He stressed that the agreement barred Shaji from starting another film without repaying the amount.Joby said, “I gave an advance of Rs 6.5 crore. There is an agreement for that. Shaji Nadesan should not make another film without returning that money. When that money was still not enough, I gave more. That’s how 'Valathuvashathe Kallan' reached theaters with a total spend of Rs 16 crore. For some reason, the film did not run.”

Promotion controversy involving actors

The controversy over promotions intensified after director B. Unnikrishnan claimed that actor Biju Menon did not appear for promotions. Joby confirmed this.He said Shaji went on to give an interview suggesting round-table discussions would not help a film succeed. Joby strongly disagreed. He emphasised the need for marketing strategies and collective responsibility.Joby issued a sharp reminder to well-paid actors and argued that receiving payment obligates them to participate in promotions, without excuses.

He stressed that cinema must be treated as an industry requiring professional commitment.He said, “Actors who take money must stand for promotions. Otherwise, they should not take money. Doesn’t a film actor get paid more than a district collector? Then shouldn’t they show some loyalty? Cinema is an industry. Everyone must stand with it.”Joby added he still trusts Shaji and believes the money will be returned.Directed by Jeethu Joseph, 'Valathu Vashathe Kallan' stars Joju George and Biju Menon in the lead. The movie received mixed reviews.