A tense and alarming situation unfolded during the filming of the upcoming Tamil movie ‘Mandaadi,’ starring actor Soori, near the Thondi region of Ramanathapuram district. On the evening of October 3rd, while the shoot was underway in the Mullimunai sea area, a boat carrying the film’s camera crew and equipment suddenly overturned and sank.
The incident, which could have led to a major tragedy, fortunately, saw the crew members aboard the vessel escape with their lives. However, the expensive cinematography camera plunged into the sea, resulting in a reported financial loss running into crores of rupees. Local fishermen later assisted in the recovery of the submerged camera.
Controversy Over Unauthorized Filming and Damage to Fishermen’s Livelihoods
The chaos on the set quickly transitioned into a legal and community controversy. The sinking of the boat has severely damaged fishing nets in the area, rendering it impossible for local fishermen to continue their essential trade. Fishermen organizations have expressed great distress, appealing to the District Administration to take immediate action against the film crew and ensure the sunken debris is removed to allow them to resume their work. They claim the film crew has been actively preventing them from fishing around the shooting area.
The incident has also raised serious questions about the safety and legality of the production’s activities. Sources indicate that the area where the incident occurred is typically restricted, even for general public access. Critics are questioning the authorization granted for filming without apparent life-saving equipment, especially in a restricted zone.
“No Prior Permission”: Authorities Confirm Illegal Sea Operations
Adding fuel to the fire, official statements confirm that the ‘Mandaadi’ film unit was operating in the sea without the necessary permissions.
When queried, Fisheries Department Joint Director Gopinath clearly stated that the film crew had not obtained any prior permission to use boats or conduct filming activities in the sea. This was corroborated by the Marine Police Sub-Inspector, who confirmed that the unit only had authorization to film along the coastline, not to venture into the open sea with vessels.
The lack of authorization for using boats in the sea, coupled with the resultant destruction of fishing gear, has created a major issue for the film’s producers. Fishermen’s associations are now demanding appropriate action and compensation from the film unit for the disruption and financial losses they have suffered due to the “unforeseen but preventable” accident.