Darshan takes dig at Umapathy Srinivas over Kaatera title

Not long ago, Challenging Star Darshan and producer Umapathy Srinivas were thick as thieves, but then they had an ugly split, after the latter was alleged to have been involved in some capacity in an attempt-to-cheat case with forged documents of the Kannada star’s properties. The Roberrt producer was said to be preparing to collaborate with Darshan yet again when the case came up and the accused were allegedly linked to Umapathy.

Since then, they have not been on talking terms, but at the 50 days celebration of Kaatera, Darshan decided to stoke a fire by stating publicly that contrary to Umapathy’s claims, it was he and not the producer who came up with the film’s title. Although Darshan did not name Umapathy and referred to him in third person about making claims that he gave the story and title, the Kaatera star said that it was he who gave the producer the story of Roberrt. Darshan wondered why Umapathy would let go of a good story like Kaatera if he was actually involved in it.

Darshan decided to ‘clarify’ his version of events on the same stage through Madagaja director Mahesh Kumar, who currently handles all of the star’s PR and events and Kaatera maker Tharun Sudhir. Incidentally, one of Darshan’s upcoming films that was announced on his birthday last week was the Sindhoora Lakshmana biopic, produced by Shylaja Nag and directed by Tharun. This was earlier said to be an Umapathy production.

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The Roberrt and Upadhyaksha maker is said to have paid advances to both Tharun and Darshan for the same. Speaking to multiple television channels after Darshan’s explosive comments, Umapathy stated that he had made advance payments for two films – Kaatera and Sindhoora Lakshmana – amounts that were later adjusted. The title Kaatera was suggested by Darshan, no doubt, but it was Umapathy who paid and registered the same, and sent Tharun, Jadesha K Hampi and dialogue writer Maasthi Upparahalli to a resort to work on the script.

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Umapathy adds that during the promotions of his most recent production Upadhyaksha he was asked about the success of Kaatera, and he had mentioned being a part of the project when it was initially being discussed. He, however, makes no claims over its success.