Kerala HC Grants Anticipatory Bail To ‘Manjummel Boys’ Producers In ₹7 Cr Profit Dispute

Kerala HC

The Kerala High Court on Thursday, granted anticipatory bail to Manjummel Boys actor-producer Soubin Shahir and producers Shawn Antony and Babu Shahir in a cheating case filed by investor Siraj Valiyathara Hameed, who alleged ₹7 crore profit share fraud.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas ruled the financial dispute—centered on the blockbuster film’s ₹250+ crore earnings, didn’t warrant custodial interrogation.

Court’s Rationale

Rejecting the need for arrest, Justice Thomas observed, “Since primarily the distribution of profits and mode of investment are the dispute’s core, most aspects are governed by documentary evidence. Custodial interrogation isn’t necessary here.”

However, the Court directed, Soubin and Shawn Antony to appear before investigators on July 7-8 (10 AM–5 PM). Babu Shahir exempted from appearance due to age (70+)

The ₹7 Cr Investment Gone Sour

The legal battle stems from a November 2022 agreement where Hameed invested ₹7 crore for 40% net profits in Manjummel Boys.

Post-release, with reported earnings exceeding ₹250 crore, disputes erupted over,

Profit Calculation: Producers claimed accounts weren’t finalized; Hameed demanded immediate payment

Legal Onslaught: Hameed secured a commercial court order freezing Parava Films’ accounts and filed a police complaint alleging cheating, forgery, and breach of trust.

Failed Quashing Plea: HC had dismissed producers’ petition to scrap the case in May 2025

Producers’ Defense

Represented by Senior Advocate P Vijaya Bhanu, the trio argued,

Hameed’s criminal complaint was a “pressure tactic” amid ongoing arbitration
Agreement clauses mandated profit-sharing only after final accounting
Allegations were “publicity-driven” to force an unfair civil settlement

With the anticipatory bail shield, the producers must now, Cooperate with the July 7–8 probe sessions and await further hearings in the civil arbitration. They may potentially face trial if charges aren’t quashed