Cuttack: Actor Manoj Mishra landed in fresh trouble as a case was filed against him by the Odia Film and Television Directors’ Association at the Cyber Crime police station in Cuttack on Tuesday.
The members of the Association, in their complaint, alleged that Manoj was defaming the Odia film industry by repeatedly giving statements against the directors and actors. The complaint was filed by the directors including Sabyasachi Mohapatra, Basant Sahu, Tapas Saragharia, Bobby Islam.
“Manoj has been stating in the social media that there are no good directors in Odisha nor the present directors have good knowledge about film direction. The statements are not only derogatory but also defaming. He has been indulged in such statements for vested personal and political interests,” they told the media after filing the complaint.
Director Sabyasachi Mohapatra said the Odia film industry has completed 88 years and produced some great directors including Nita Palit, Hemant Das, Hara Patnaik, Prashant Nanda, Manmohan Mahapatra. Their films have gained recognition at national and international levels.
“We have also completed around 50 years in the industry. Yet, Manoj has been targeting the industry without any substantial reasons. His statements are in bad taste and of very low standards,” he said.
Meanwhile, the police have registered a case and started investigation. Manoj has not issued his reaction to the media on the matter.
It may be noted that Manoj was banned for two years by some film producers for allegedly orchestrating protests against the film ‘Ram’ last year. Sanlisha Patel, producer of Odia film ‘Pratha’, also filed an FIR against him in Jharsuguda over screening of the movie.
