Kochi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet before the Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court in connection with the alleged financial fraud case linked to the Malayalam blockbuster 'Manjummel Boys'.
The investigating agency submitted a 1,000-page chargesheet naming actor-producer Soubin Shahir, his father Babu Shahir, and producer Shawn Antony as accused in the case.
The CBI probe was initiated following a complaint filed by Aroor resident Siraj Hameed, who alleged that the accused had collected Rs 7 crore from him after promising a share in the film’s profits. However, according to the complaint, neither the promised profit share nor the invested amount was returned.
The accused, however, have denied the allegations and maintained that the complainant failed to provide the agreed financial contribution for the film on time, resulting in substantial losses. They contended that delays in receiving the funds disrupted shooting schedules and prolonged the production process.
Released in 2024, 'Manjummel Boys' emerged as one of the biggest commercial successes in Malayalam cinema, reportedly earning nearly Rs 200 crore at the box office.
The chargesheet includes offences such as criminal breach of trust and criminal conspiracy.
Earlier, Babu Shahir had approached the Supreme Court seeking to quash the case, but the plea was dismissed.
Apart from the CBI investigation, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also probing the alleged financial irregularities. However, the agency is yet to submit its preliminary report in the matter.