FEFKA Accuses Biju Menon Of Skipping Promotions, Claims Rs 25 Lakh Loss To Producer

Actor Biju Menon has come under sharp criticism from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) over allegations of failing to meet promotional commitments for a recent Malayalam film, an absence that the organisation claims resulted in significant financial losses for the producer.

FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan has publicly accused the National Award-winning actor of skipping promotional activities for Valathu Vashathe Kallan, a crime thriller directed by Jeethu Joseph. According to Unnikrishnan, the actor’s non-participation led to a loss of ₹25 lakh for the producer, who is also a director.

Addressing reporters, Unnikrishnan said in Malayalam, “A producer, who is also a director, lost ₹25 lakh from the amount due to him from a television

channel because a prominent actor in Malayalam cinema failed to attend promotions. That same actor also skipped the promotions for the recent movie (Valathu Vashathe Kallan) directed by Jeethu Joseph. I am talking about Biju Menon; I have no hesitation in naming him. He did not attend the promotions.”

He further emphasised that promotional appearances are a contractual responsibility agreed upon under the Producers’ Association, and questioned the lack of accountability when such commitments are not honoured.

“Isn’t attending promotions a contractual obligation under the producers’ association? When that is not honoured… you should show at least 10 per cent of the strictness towards that commitment that you show during salary negotiations. Signing a contract while committing to promote a film and then not showing up, causing the producer losses mounting to ₹25 lakh — these are the things that need to be corrected. If such issues are resolved, then during next year’s discussions, producers will willingly offer a 50 per cent hike in remuneration,” he said.

As of now, Biju Menon has not issued any response to the allegations.

Valathu Vashathe Kallan was released in theatres on January 30. The Malayalam-language crime thriller was directed by Jeethu Joseph and written by Dinu Thomas Eelan. The film also featured Joju George in a key role.