The acclaimed actor reveals he was not paid for his role and was blindsided by the theatrical release of the uncensored version, leading to public and legal backlash.
June 24, 2025: Malayalam actor Joju George has spoken out against the makers of the film Churuli, alleging betrayal, non-payment, and a breach of trust over the film’s release. In a recent interview, Joju expressed his dismay at the release of an uncensored version of the film—laden with expletives—without his prior consent, despite assurances that such a version would be reserved only for award submissions.
According to Joju, he had been promised that a cleaner version would be used for the theatrical release. However, contrary to that promise, the explicit version made it to cinemas, causing personal and social repercussions for the actor. “I faced criticism in my hometown and even legal trouble due to the language used in the film,” he said, adding that during this entire ordeal, he received no communication, apology, or support from the producers.
To make matters worse, Joju revealed he was never compensated for his performance in Churuli. “I wasn’t paid a single rupee. I trusted them. But I was betrayed,” he stated. He also criticized the filmmakers for their lack of transparency and failure to inform him about the final cut that would be released to the public.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery, Churuli is known for its surreal, experimental storytelling and frequent use of strong language. Its release on OTT platforms without proper certification has also raised eyebrows and sparked debates over regulatory accountability in digital film distribution.
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Joju’s revelations have brought to light deeper ethical concerns in the Indian film industry, particularly regarding artist consent, transparency, and fair compensation. His experience has struck a chord within the industry, reigniting conversations around the importance of ethical filmmaking and protecting the rights and dignity of actors.
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Joju George, Churuli, Lijo Jose Pellissery, Malayalam cinema, actor compensation, OTT controversy, explicit content, Indian film industry ethics, uncensored movie release, artist rights, film production transparency