Veteran actor Kabir Bedi faced public humiliation in Kochi when his promotional event for ‘Korigajja’ was canceled amid a blatant scheduling conflict with Mammootty’s team. The incident has ignited debates on industry ethics and regional film rivalries.
This ambitious Kannada film draws from the lore of Korigajja, the folk deity of Tulu Nadu, positioning Bedi in a central role. The Kochi press interaction was locked in a week ahead, with Bedi and Bhavya jetting in eagerly. Shockingly, Mammootty’s ‘Chathapach’ crew picked the same time slot, revealed at the eleventh hour.
The ‘Korigajja’ side cries foul, alleging deliberate interference. Mammootty’s events draw overwhelming media, leaving little room in Kochi’s shared press pool. Standard protocol demands PR coordination to prevent overlaps—ignored here. A late-night call from the rival camp insisted on postponement, prioritizing their star.
Heavy pre-event expenses went down the drain as the full presser was axed for a token evening session. Director Sudheer Attavar and producer Trivikram Saplaya decried the ‘unacceptable conduct,’ tarnishing Malayalam cinema’s image despite the film’s ties to local talent.
Saplaya recounted stellar promotions nationwide, bemoaning Kochi’s twist. ‘Bengaluru Kannadigas embrace Malayalam films wholeheartedly—where’s the mutual respect?’ he asked, flagging potential language frictions. Bedi, a Malayalam aficionado celebrating its National Award haul, called the disruption ‘regrettable’ and a coordination failure.
‘I honored the industry by attending,’ Bedi reflected. Bhavya condemned the slight against such a revered figure. As tensions simmer, ‘Korigajja’ pushes forward, but the episode reveals raw power dynamics in India’s diverse film landscape.