Indian actress Anaswara Rajan slams director Deepu Karunakaran's defamatory claims

Dubai: Malayali actress Anaswara Rajan has strongly refuted director Deepu Karunakaran’s claims that she failed to promote their delayed film, Mr and Mrs Bachelor.

In a statement shared on her social media handles, she accused him of attempting to tarnish her reputation with “defamatory” remarks while conveniently ignoring similar issues with other actors.

In an interview with Manorama Online, Karunakaran alleged that Anaswara was uncooperative in promoting the film, refusing even to post about it on Instagram despite multiple requests. He expressed surprise at her stance, considering she was “fully cooperative” during filming. He also claimed that even the film’s male lead, Indrajith Sukumaran, personally urged her to participate in promotional activities, but she remained indifferent.

Speaking to Reporter Live, Karunakaran further broadened his criticism, claiming that a general lack of cooperation among actors has become more prevalent post-COVID. He accused some artistes of refusing to step out of their caravans without advance payments, demanding specific hotel accommodations, and even threatening to leave the set mid-shoot if immediate payments were not made.

Hitting back at these accusations, Anaswara asserted that she had not neglected the film’s promotion. Instead, she revealed that she had actively ensured the smooth completion of the shoot despite financial difficulties that could have stalled production.

“When the payment issue arose, even Deepu told me, ‘Do not leave the room without receiving the money from the producer.’ Yet, I was the one who stepped forward and said, ‘Let the shoot be over,’” she stated, countering claims that she had demanded advance payment. She described Karunakaran’s comments as both professionally and personally hurtful.

Additionally, Anaswara pointed out that, to date, the only promotional interview for Mr and Mrs Bachelor available online was hers. She also noted that the film’s release had been postponed without any official communication to her or the team.

“Mr Deepu mentioned on Reporter that some actors had caused him difficulties, but naming them wouldn’t help him or the film. If that’s the case, does dragging my name into this controversy somehow benefit him or the film?” she questioned.

Anaswara confirmed that she has now filed an official complaint with the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), where she is a member.