Actor Unni Mukundan Strongly Denies Assault Claims by Alleged Ex-Manager

Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan has vehemently denied allegations of physical assault leveled against him by Vipin Kumar, who claims to be his former manager. In a detailed statement released on social media, Mukundan asserted that the accusations are “absolutely false and untrue” and that no physical attack ever occurred.

The controversy erupted after Vipin Kumar filed a police complaint with the Info Park police in Kochi, accusing Mukundan of verbal abuse, physical assault, and criminal intimidation. Kumar, who sought medical treatment, alleged that the incident took place in the parking area of an apartment complex, where Mukundan allegedly assaulted him for praising fellow actor Tovino Thomas’s recently released film, ‘Narivetta’, on social media. A case has since been registered against the actor under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation. Kumar has also filed complaints with prominent film bodies like FEFKA and AMMA.

However, Unni Mukundan has presented a starkly different account. In his statement, the actor clarified that Vipin Kumar was “never assigned as my personal manager ever, on record.” He stated that Kumar initially contacted him around 2018 when Mukundan was preparing to produce his first film. Mukundan maintained that their professional relationship was solely as a Public Relations Officer (PRO) and not as a personal manager.

The actor strongly refuted the claim of any physical altercation, emphasizing that the alleged incident location is under CCTV surveillance, urging verification of the footage. Mukundan also revealed that he had been receiving numerous complaints about Vipin Kumar, citing instances of “gossiping and loose talks” from various filmmakers. He accused Kumar of attempting to interfere in his work and personal life, even alleging that Kumar had contacted a female actress and suggested she marry him, leading to a significant confrontation between them.

Mukundan further stated that after confronting Kumar in person about his concerns, Kumar initially ignored them but later apologized in front of a mutual friend. The actor claimed that as Kumar had access to his digital data, he had requested a written apology and return of access. However, instead of complying, Mukundan said he witnessed “entirely false, fake and alarming allegations” circulating against him on news portals and social media.

The actor suggested that the allegations are part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation and career for “undue gain and benefits,” expressing concern that some individuals in the industry, unhappy with his growth, might be aiding Kumar in this endeavor. He highlighted his commitment to professionalism and truth, despite facing what he believes to be victimization and harassment.

Vipin Kumar, on the other hand, has stated to the media that he worked as a promotion consultant and PR for many actors, including Mukundan, for six years. He claimed that Mukundan’s frustration stemmed from a lack of good movie offers after the success of ‘Marco’ and the failure of his subsequent film, ‘Get Set Baby,’ at the box office. He also alleged that a planned directorial venture by Mukundan suffered a setback, contributing to his supposed frustration.

As the police investigation progresses and Mukundan has reportedly moved an anticipatory bail plea in the Ernakulam district court, the conflicting narratives have ignited considerable discussion within the Malayalam film industry and among the public. The presence of CCTV footage is expected to play a crucial role in shedding light on the events of that day.