Kochi: Films garner controversy at the drop of a hat. The latest Malayalam movie to be mired in one is ‘Aby’, the directorial debut of noted ad filmmaker Sreekant Murali.

‘Aby’, with Vineeth Sreenivasan playing the lead, has been scripted by Santhosh Echikkanam and will be ready for release by January 20.

After shooting started, Pradeep, a scriptwriter of an upcoming Prithviraj movie, made allegations that his script was manipulated by Santosh by incorporating the story of Saji Thomas, a deaf mute person, who was in the news sometime back for assembling an aircraft all by himself.

Pradeep even moved the court against the movie. But even though the court found the allegations baseless, it has not been smooth sailing for the film.

“My movie will be an answer to all my detractors making false allegations. We have in no way incorporated any part of Pradeep’s script,” says Sreekant, glad that he could finish his movie in time, with the full support of his cast and crew in the face of problems and threats.

“The detractors even tried to manipulate the media against me, putting up false write ups on the movie,” says Sreekanth, as he goes on to say how his dream of directing a movie was fulfilled through Santosh’s script, which tells a story of how we can fulfil our dreams if we have the passion and commitment.

On hearing the script, Sreekanth did not have to think twice on whom to choose as the hero who essays three phases in his life. “Vineeth has done the role of a vibrant youth with conviction,” says Sreekant. The film also features Aju Varghese, Merina, Suraj Venjaramoodu and Manish Choudhary.

Sreekant, who was veteran director Priyardarshan’s associate for 15 years, worked with him in many popular movies, including ‘Hulchul’ and ‘Garam Masala’. He is also the man behind many popular ads in Malayalam, including for jewellers Joyalukkas, clothes store Seematti and wellness brand Indulekha.