Kochi: The Income Tax (IT) Department has sent a notice to L2 Empuraan director Prithviraj Sukumaran. Prithviraj is a well-known Malayali actor, producer and director. The Mohanlal-starrer Empuraan has been declared one of the highest Malayali box-office grossers, having earned Rs 91 crore in the last nine days. Prithviraj also plays a key role in the film.
The IT notice seeks clarification on Prithviraj’s earnings from three 2022 films he acted in and co-produced. These are Jana Gana Mana, Gold and Kadavu.
According to an IT official, such notices is auto-generated by the system when discrepancies are noted and queries arise during routine income tax assessment. This particular notice was delivered via email on March 29, and Prithviraj has been asked to provide his explanation by April 29.
According to sources, Prithviraj had revealed in his declarations that he did not claim any remuneration for his lead roles in the three films. He only received payments as a co-producer. This payment structure has raised red flags in the system and clarifications have been sought as part of the standard verification procedure.
Prithviraj’s run-ins with the IT Department are not new. In 2022, the Department searched his house and office over alleged discrepancies in tax filings. The investigation extended to his production company and other associated entities. Similar probes were also carried out against prominent producers Antony Perumbavoor, Listin Stephen, and Anto Joseph.
Empuraan recently ran into trouble with the BJP over certain scenes that were considered controversial. After BJP supporters began protesting, some scenes were reportedly cut.
