Vinay Fort, who was one of the protagonists of Churuli, along with Joju George, refuses to get dragged into the current issue, but talks about his involvement and what the film means to him
Last Updated: 03.45 PM, Jun 28, 2025
In the last several days, the major talking point in Malayalam cinema has been the ongoing mudslinging between actor Joju George and director Lijo Jose Pellisserry over the content of the 2021 film, Churuli. Joju, who played one of the main characters in the film had claimed that he did the film under the tacit understanding that there’d be two versions – one for film festivals which included expletive-laden dialogues and another, for theatrical and post-theatrical use that was much cleaner and meant for a wider audience.
However, the theatrical and OTT versions were the one with excessive profanity spoken by all characters, including Joju, which affected him and his family. Lijo had responded to this via social media. Given the attention surrounding the subject, it is no surprise that other actors who were are a part of the film are being asked about their take on the issue. Vinay Forrt recently ran into a section of the media while waiting for the valet to get him his car and was, obviously, asked about the Churuli controversy.
Vinay refused to get drawn into the matter between Joju and Lijo, stating that both were dear friends. The actor, however, added that Churuli is a film he will cherish lifelong and that he got to work with Lijo and that too in a main role. “I see Lijo as one of the best filmmakers in India. I got to be a part of his film, finish it in 18 days and have been seeing that it continues to be a much-discussed movie that audiences repeatedly request to be re-released,” he said.
Also read: Churuli director Lijo Jose Pellissery hits back at Joju George’s claims with ‘proof of salary’
Vinay adds that he was well-paid and had agreed to be a part of Churuli after reading the entire script. He says that all the communication about the film that he had with the team was clear and there was no ambiguity at all. “I am very proud that I acted in Churuli,” he says, adding that his job was limited to acting and that he was not concerned about the film’s subsequent journey – to theatres and OTT. “The medium that the film eventually comes on is not my concern. As far as I am concerned, I liked the script and I am extremely happy with it,” he said.