Prithviraj and Shammi Thilakan’s latest film, Vilayat Buddha, is receiving positive responses at the box office, but it has also faced cyber attacks on social media targeting the film and its actors. Amid this, veteran actress Mallika Sukumaran, mother of Prithviraj, has spoken out in support of those involved in the movie.
Mallika Sukumaran wrote, “Among the brave and courageous people who make money without shame by saying ‘Yatha Raja Tatha Praja,’ taking their earnings, posting photos of Krishna, some girl, or an unknown child, and locking their profiles, I feel respect for Shammi and the personalities who responded in support.”
She shared the note along with a video of Shammi Thilakan talking about Prithviraj, in which he says, “It was only because Prithviraj was the hero that I was able to play Bhaskaran Mash in ‘Vilayat Buddha.’ He is willing to give a character like mine more screen space than the hero. If it were someone else, I would not have received this opportunity. I will remain indebted to Raju and the director for life.”
Shammi Thilakan also addressed the cyber attacks, calling them a cruelty toward everyone who acted in the film. Earlier, the film’s producer, Sandeep Senan, filed a complaint with the Cyber Cell against the YouTube channel First Report Online, which allegedly spread religious and political hatred targeting the movie. The campaign has involved personal attacks on the cast and crew while inciting communal tension.
Despite the controversy, Vilayat Buddha continues to draw praise from audiences. Directed by Sandeep Senan under the banner of Urvashi Theatres, the film is produced in collaboration with A.V. Anoop for AVA Productions. The script is co-written by G.R. Indugopan and Rajesh Pinnadan, and the cast includes Shammi Thilakan, Rajasree, Priyamvada, Anu Mohan, T.J. Arunachalam, and several other prominent actors.
