Shilpi Nama
On 26th June, 2025, the Kerala High Court granted anticipatory bail to the producers of the Malayalam blockbuster Manjummel Boys. Actor-producer Soubin Shahir, along with producers Shawn Antony and Babu Shahir, received relief in a cheating case related to the film.
The case was filed by investor Siraj Valiyathara Hameed, who accused the trio of failing to honor a profit-sharing agreement. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas observed that custodial interrogation was unnecessary, as the dispute centered on profit distribution and investment—issues supported by documentary evidence. However, the Court directed Soubin and Antony to appear before the investigating officer on July 7 and, if required, again on July 8.
The dispute originated from a 2022 investment agreement between Parava Films LLP—owned by the three producers—and Hameed. Under the agreement, Hameed invested ₹7 crore for the production of Manjummel Boys in exchange for 40% of the net profit. Following reports that the film grossed over ₹250 crore, Hameed demanded his share. The producers responded that profit distribution would take place only after all revenues and expenses were fully reconciled, as outlined in the contract.
Unconvinced, Hameed approached a commercial court and obtained an ex-parte order freezing Parava Films’ bank accounts and restraining the use of profits and OTT release of the film. He also filed a police complaint, prompting the registration of an FIR under Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), and 468 (forgery) of the Indian Penal Code.
In their bail application, the producers argued that Hameed’s demands were premature and that the criminal complaint was a pressure tactic in what was essentially a contractual dispute. They emphasized that arbitration proceedings had already been initiated to resolve the matter.
Senior Advocate P Vijaya Bhanu and a team of lawyers represented the petitioners, while Hameed was represented by Advocates Saiby Jose Kidangoor and others. The case underscores the rising intersection of commercial disagreements and criminal proceedings in the entertainment industry.
Case Name: Shawn Anthony vs The State Of Kerala
Case Number: Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas
Bench: CRL.MC NO. 4212 OF 2024
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