Pithamagan controversy still haunts Bala 

This story is worth making into a psychological thriller. We are referring to the ongoing tussle between producer V.A. Durai and director Bala. There is a surprising trend in Bala’s films. Initially a film would be announced as being produced by him but it would face several obstacles and finally another producer would bail out the project. Not once but twice it has happened in recent times.

When we found out why, we learnt that it involves a lot of money and it all started way back during the making of Pithamagan. It was produced by V.A. Durai of Evergreen International on a first copy basis. But by the time the film reached the final stage, Durai was exhausted as it had overshot its budget. He held back the salaries of Vikram and Bala. Vikram approached the Nadigar Sangam against Durai who defiantly put the blame at Bala’s door. Bala offered to settle Vikram’s dues but being a close friend Vikram said no thanks.

Durai went about Kollywood trashing Bala at every opportunity. An edgy Bala could take it no more and he challenged Durai by offering a compensation of Rs. 50 lakhs.

He gave a blank cheque to Durai and said that the latter could encash it when his own maiden production would hit the silver screen. He also announced a slew of films under his banner. For a while, it seemed like Bala could hold his head high in honour after the incident. But what followed was an altogether different story. Mayavi which was first under Bala was taken over by Kalaipuli Thanu and the recent Paramasivan also changed hands from him and released under Kanagaratna Movies. His next film, Naan kadavul, has also been handed over to producer Thenappan and Bala only wears the director’s cap. Durai is left high and dry with the cheque in his hands. He seems to be grumbling, ‘enakku oru unmai therinchaganum’! Allegations are flying thick and fast from both sides that the other party is playing double cross.

Bala who has had a stormy struggle to become a hit director is a prisoner of his own actions. These days, he is so hounded by his own words, the tempestuous guy loses his temper at the mere mention of check (or cheque?).

Behindwoods.com © 2004 ; For advertising contact behindw@behindwoods.com