Darshan Faces Complaint Over Alleged Verbal Attack on Producer Umapathy Gowda
A formal complaint has been lodged against actor Darshan at the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce following an incident at an event where he allegedly used “specific words” against producer Umapathy Gowda. Members of the Karnataka PrajaparaVedike filed the complaint and have called for the film chamber’s intervention to address the matter. They are also demanding an apology from Darshan to the producer and have threatened to stage a protest in front of the actor’s residence if an apology is not issued promptly.
The controversy stems from statements made by producer Umapathy Srinivas Gowda, associated with Darshan’s film ‘Roberrt,’ about a month ago. He claimed credit for the title ‘Kaatera,’ stating that he had registered it under his banner and paid for the development of the film’s story. At the Kaatera 50-day celebration event on Tuesday, Darshan disputed Umapathy’s claims without directly naming the producer. Darshan asserted that he had proposed the title himself and questioned the producer’s judgment for potentially missing out on a promising project.
The dispute escalated when Umapathy responded, criticizing Darshan for using inappropriate language on stage and emphasizing the importance of choosing words wisely in public. Both parties have been referring to each other in the third person without explicitly naming each other.
Addressing the root of the issue, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce chief NM Suresh clarified that the title controversy is an internal matter. Umapathy had registered the ‘Kaatera’ title in July 2017, and later, in December 2018, voluntarily transferred the title rights to MG Ramamurthy in exchange for the ‘Madagaja’ title. Suresh highlighted that such title exchanges are common among producers and are legally conducted. He urged the involved parties to resolve the matter through the film chamber instead of public platforms, emphasizing that public disputes are detrimental to the industry’s well-being.
