New Delhi: Biju Menon faces backlash from Malayalam film industry bigwig B Unnikrishnan. The actor allegedly ditched promotions for Jeethu Joseph’s latest thriller, causing a producer a whopping Rs 25 lakh loss from a missed TV deal.

As FEFKA pushes for better discipline, is this a contract breach or a star tantrum? Tensions rise in Mollywood over stars skipping duties.

 Unnikrishnan’s strong allegations

Filmmaker and FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan accused Biju Menon of not honouring promotional commitments for the film Valathu Vashathe Kallan. This absence reportedly led to a Rs 25 lakh loss for the producer, as a television deal fell through due to a lack of star power at events. Unnikrishnan made these claims during a press conference by FEFKA and the Kerala Film Producers’ Association.

 Film and promotion details

Valathu Vashathe Kallan, a Malayalam crime thriller directed by Jeethu Joseph (known for Drishyam) and written by Dinu Thomas Eelan, hit screens on January 30, 2026. Produced by Shaji Nadesan, it stars Biju Menon and Joju George in key roles. Unnikrishnan highlighted that Biju Menon skipped these promotional activities despite them being part of the contract.

Call for contract discipline

Unnikrishnan stressed the importance of promotions under Producers’ Association rules. “Promotion is part of the Producers’ Association contract. What I am saying is that at least ten per cent of the firmness shown while negotiating remuneration should be shown here as well,” he said at the event. He questioned why actors aren’t serious about such obligations after securing high fees. Biju Menon has not responded to these allegations yet.

 Broader industry concerns

The controversy erupted amid a new agreement between FEFKA and producers to improve conditions, like limiting technicians’ work to 12 hours daily. Unnikrishnan also flagged issues like actors’ late arrivals disrupting shoots, urging more discipline across Mollywood sets. This row highlights growing friction over commitments in the Malayalam film world.