Shammi Thilakan Reveals Dad's Heated Clash with Director Ranjith
Shammi Thilakan on Thilakan-Ranjith Clash

Shammi Thilakan Opens Up About His Father's Intense Fight

In a recent revelation, actor Shammi Thilakan has shared a distressing episode from the life of his late father, the legendary Malayalam actor Thilakan. The incident involved a major clash with acclaimed director Ranjith during a film shoot. According to Shammi, the heated verbal altercation was so intense that it had a direct physical impact on Thilakan, who was already grappling with heart-related health issues.

The Pollachi Confrontation and Its Aftermath

Shammi Thilakan, in an interview with Mathrubhumi News, detailed the event. "Dad and Ranjith had a major fight. There were heated exchanges from both sides," he stated. The argument left Thilakan deeply hurt. The stress of the confrontation was so severe that, due to his pre-existing heart condition, blood started coming through his nose.

Following the quarrel, an enraged Thilakan left the shooting location in Pollachi and drove all the way back to his home in Thiruvananthapuram. The film's production controller alerted Shammi about the escalating situation, setting the stage for a tense resolution.

An Apology to Shammi, But Not to Thilakan

Hours after the incident, Shammi received a call from an unknown number, which turned out to be director Ranjith. The director, known for films like 'Indian Rupee', acknowledged the conflict and offered an apology. However, this apology was extended only to Shammi Thilakan.

Ranjith explicitly told Shammi that he would not apologise directly to Thilakan. The director believed that the veteran actor was also responsible for the escalation of the argument. This period was particularly difficult for Thilakan, as he was facing an unofficial ban in the Malayalam film industry, and this clash added significant emotional strain.

Resolution and Reunion for 'Indian Rupee'

Despite the friction, Ranjith recognized Thilakan's immense talent and the importance of his role in the upcoming film 'Indian Rupee', which starred Prithviraj Sukumaran. Ranjith described Thilakan's part as a highlight of the film. He expressed his hesitation to speak to Thilakan directly and requested Shammi to mediate and open a channel for communication.

When Shammi conveyed Ranjith's message to his father, Thilakan's anger resurfaced, leading to another round of shouting. Ultimately, Ranjith himself called Thilakan. The two spoke directly, settled their dispute, and paved the way for Thilakan's crucial involvement in 'Indian Rupee'.

On the work front, Shammi Thilakan's recent release is 'Vilayath Buddha', featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead role. A review excerpt from ETimes praised the film's cinematography while noting that its focus on battling male egos and mass elements made it feel somewhat familiar.