Thiruvananthapuram, June 16 (IANS) Kerala’s first woman Director General of Police and now BJP councillor R. Sreelekha has alleged that the stories of Malayalam actor Shane Nigam’s films ‘Dridham’ and ‘Bhoothakaalam’ were copied from her works.

After her retirement, she later joined the BJP and became a councillor in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections last year.

In a social media post, Sreelekha claimed that the recently released police-themed film ‘Dridham’ was made by copying her story.

She said the core storyline of the film was taken from her short story ‘Karinkudi Police Station’, which she had written years ago and was published in Mathrubhumi Weekly.

Sreelekha said she realised the similarity between her story and the film only after watching ‘Dridham’.

She also shared the link to the audio version of the story that she had uploaded on her official YouTube channel for those who had not read it.

The former DGP also raised similar allegations against another Shane Nigam starrer, the critically acclaimed and award-winning film ‘Bhoothakaalam’.

She alleged that the movie was based on an experience-based story titled ‘Bhootha Bhavanam’, which she had shared on her official YouTube channel three years ago.

According to Sreelekha, the similarity was evident even in the titles of the two works.

She shared links to both her stories through her YouTube channel while raising allegations against the filmmakers.

A notable connection between the two films, she pointed out, is that both feature Shane Nigam as the lead actor.

However, Sreelekha clarified that while she had made complaints against the filmmakers, she had a special affection for Shane Nigam.

She said she had liked the actor ever since watching the film ‘Parava’.

The BJP leader added that she sees Shane as similar to a young police officer who had worked with her and whom she considered like a younger brother.

Referring specifically to Shane’s role as a police officer in ‘Dridham’, Sreelekha said the character reminded her of a policeman named Mohammed, who used to gift her mango saplings, pure honey and ghee.

Sreelekha’s allegations have opened a fresh debate in Malayalam cinema over claims of story ownership and originality.

–IANS

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