‘A Pre-Planned Conspiracy’: Police Accuse ‘Manjummel Boys’ Producer Soubin Shahir of Major Financial Fraud

KOCHI: In a startling development, police have submitted a scathing report to the Kerala High Court against the producers of the pan-India blockbuster film ‘Manjummel Boys’, alleging a pre-planned criminal conspiracy to cheat an investor out of crores of rupees. The report strongly opposes the anticipatory bail plea filed by actor-producer Soubin Shahir, his father Babu Shahir, and their partner Shawn Antony.

The Maradu police report claims the producers deliberately intended to defraud the investor, Siraj Valiyaveettil Hameed, who invested ₹7 crore in the film based on a contract for 40% of the profits. The hearing for their anticipatory bail plea is scheduled for June 26.

According to the police, the producers operated with a clear criminal intent. “The accused calculated that the complainant would file a civil case, which would take years to resolve, and that they could freely use the money until then,” the police report states, framing the issue as a criminal conspiracy rather than a mere civil dispute.

Key Allegations from the Police Report:

• Fund Diversion: The film reportedly grossed ₹265 crore through all revenue streams. However, police allege that a significant portion of this income was diverted directly into the producers’ personal accounts, bypassing the official channels.
• Cost Inflation: The production cost was allegedly inflated to ₹22 crore in the records, while the actual expenditure was only ₹18.5 crore.
• Non-Cooperation: Soubin Shahir, the first accused, allegedly refused to accept the official police notice for interrogation, which the report describes as a challenge to the legal system.
• Belated Payment: Police noted that the producers paid ₹5.99 crore to the complainant only after a criminal case was registered and the investigation began, suggesting it was an attempt to weaken the case against them.

The producers had earlier approached the High Court to quash the cheating case, but their petition was dismissed last month. With the police now submitting a detailed report outlining serious financial fraud, the makers of one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest-ever hits are facing significant legal trouble.