Let the courts decide: Kiccha Sudeep finally breaks silence on MN Kumar matter

The rift between Kiccha Sudeep and producer MN Kumar continues to intensify as yet another development comes to the fore. Following the producer's accusation that Sudeep evaded him and refused to provide dates for an agreed-upon commitment, the latter's close aide and fellow film producer Jack Manju came forward with a clarification.

In a press meet held on Sunday, July 9, Jack Manju spoke in favour of the Vikrant Rona actor and dismissed all the allegations made by MN Kumar a few days prior. The former would add and highlight that Sudeep received no remuneration (as alleged) for a film and that, in fact, the actor even offered financial help to MN Kumar which was declined.

On July 8, Kiccha Sudeep sought the legal route and filed a defamation case against MN Kumar, seeking an unconditional apology and damages of Rs. 10 crores for causing loss of reputation and mental agony.

Now, on the heels of this court case, Kiccha Sudeep has chosen to write an 'intimate letter' to all the major film committees in Karnataka, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, Kannada Film Producers Association and Kannada Cine Artistes Association. 

Also Read:
Producer MN Kumar accuses Kiccha Sudeep of desertion: 'Will sit on dharna outside his house' 

"No room for negotiation"

In the letter, the 51-year-old actor states while it is the prerogative of the producer (MN Kumar) to approach the film chamber, it's the latter's responsibility to deliberate on the allegation properly. "I am not sure why it (the process of deliberation) hasn't been happening in my case," says Sudeep in the letter in a humble tone.

He also discusses the previous letter he had written to the chamber wherein he clearly mentioned that he offered help to MN Kumar multiple times but to no avail because of myriad reasons. Sudeep states that he chooses to take the legal route only so that the film chamber isn't obligated to pick one of the two sides involved.

"Another term that cropped up multiple times during the recent press meet was that of negotiation. What does 'negotiation' mean here? That the producer could blame me for all his constraints and difficulties and make use of my honesty and hardships?" 

"Over the last 27 years, I have never had a black mark on my career and I believe I have conducted myself well throughout. It's only because of the trust that exists in the Kannada Film Industry that I have managed to play varied roles in as many as 45 films. I believe I have stood as a model for goodness and nothing bad or negative in these years. I am also to receive money from several producers - a few have already paid and I'm indebted to them, while a few have raised allegations against me. The reason I'm approaching you today is to ensure that I don't stand as someone who has obtained full remuneration for a film but isn't willing to fulfil the commitment. I have always dealt with these kinds of matters in a peaceful manner but here I am forced to," adds the Kiccha 46 actor.

"Let the courts decide"

In the press meet on July 3, MN Kumar disclosed that his financial constraints have forced him to contemplate suicide multiple times. MN Suresh, fellow producer who sat beside him, claimed that if something were to happen to MN Kumar, then Sudeep could be held responsible. Sudeep condemns and criticizes this outlook in his letter and shares that he is compelled to send a legal notice to Suresh as well for his claims carry bad implications at a larger level.

He would conclude the latter by requesting all the parties involved to not pressurize him any further and instead allow the court to make a decision on the matter. "If I am wrong, I will duly pay what I owe. I know I am right. Please allow me the opportunity to prove that truth is by my side."