Filmmaker Shalini Vijaykumar reacts to the controversy of literary theft: ‘Reding Red’ is my original work

Shalini Vijayakumar. , Photo Credit: Karishma Harinath

Writer and journalist Jyarini has responded to the controversy after allegations of literary theft against Shalini Vijaykumar. Shalini has said that her short film Red watching red Is a basic work.

Red watching red The centers of about three women who are haunted only by one ghost, which only appear to them while their family remains unknown. In the 1980s, the film mixes topics like set, patriarchy and women empowerment. The 30 -minute dark comedy drama was completely shot on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The film was selected for the selection of MAMI: Filmed on the iPhone initiative. On Friday (02, 2025), Jyarini took Instagram To claim this Red watching red It is based on his story, Severly Pucharam, From his short-story collection Sanilum.

In an interview on Monday (05, 2025) CNN-News 18, Shalini said, “I want to tell clearly and respectfully that my film Red watching red Is a basic work. Any similarity for other stories is a purely coincidence. While I admit that the theft of appropriation and story is real concerns in the creative industry, and I take them seriously, in this case, I stand by the integrity of my process and the authenticity of the story. ,

Shalini said that she is ready to face any legal challenges when they are on the surface. “I will be firm in my statement that Red watching red My basic work is. It is not inspired by any work of imagination or literary. ,

Jyarini alleged that Red watching red His story has been distorted and has been approved through a Brahminic lens. “Not only has every inch stolen, the bottom for the title (Savarli Pucharam – Red Olender Flower String), period and style, but also distorted and approved through a Brahminic lens. I was killed with a deep internal turmoil when I saw it,” he wrote.

Also read:Shalini Vijayakumar seeing red, Brings power and patriarchy

Ace director Vetri Maran has said that Shalini was mentioned for the film, which helped refine her script and guide the subjects included in the film. JEYARANI said that she has informed Vetri Maran about the issue, and is waiting for her response. The author-journalist also apologized to Shalini, saying that he was ready to take legal action against the director.