In May this year, Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan was accused of physically assaulting his former PR manager, Vipin Kumar.

Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan, widely known for his performance in Marco, is facing legal proceedings following an alleged assault complaint by his former PR manager, Vipin Kumar. The Kakkanad Judicial First Class Magistrate Court has issued a summons for the actor to appear on 27 October, 2025. The incident reportedly took place earlier this year, and the complaint has been supported by substantial evidence gathered during the police investigation. The charges include physical assault, verbal abuse, property damage, and life threats, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations. As the case progresses, the legal process will determine the validity of the claims against the actor.

Police file chargesheet

The court summons follows a police investigation that collected significant evidence, including around 10 minutes of CCTV footage, witness statements, circumstantial evidence, and mobile tower location data. Earlier reports suggesting a lack of evidence or CCTV footage were incorrect.

The chargesheet has been filed under sections 115(2), 126(2), 296(B), 351(2), and 324(4) of the Indian Penal Code. These pertain to entering the victim’s flat complex with intent to cause harm, premeditated assault, verbal abuse, issuing life threats, and property damage, specifically, throwing and destroying the victim’s sunglasses. The charges are bailable, and Unni is expected to apply for bail as part of routine legal procedures.

Unni Mukundan denies assault allegations

Earlier this year, following Vipin Kumar’s complaint, Unni Mukundan held a press conference in Kochi to deny the allegations. He stated that he did not harm Vipin and offered to quit acting if the claims were proven true. He also questioned Vipin’s role as his manager.

“This is not a case of assault. There was no physical violence,” Unni said in May. He added, “As a friend, I only wanted to confront Vipin about why he was speaking negatively about me. During the heated exchange, I did throw his sunglasses, that is true. But there was no physical contact.”

Unni further claimed that he had asked Vipin to return passwords to his accounts and write an apology. He accused the former PR manager of blackmail and of taking undue credit during the promotions of Marco. Unni also alleged that several complaints have been made against Vipin within the film industry, including one by a female actor to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).

What were Vipin Kumar’s allegations?

After lodging a complaint with the Info Park police in Kochi, Vipin spoke to the media, saying, “I did promotions for Tovino Thomas’ Narivetta. I had posted praising the film, which Unni didn’t like. He called me that night and asked me to stop working for him. I said okay.”

Vipin alleged that Unni called him to the parking area of his building on Monday, where the assault took place. According to the FIR, Unni allegedly punched him in the face, broke his sunglasses, and threatened to kill him.

“He beat me up after abusing me…I worked with him for six years. I am a PR consultant and work with other actors, he knows that. He’s frustrated that he didn’t get good films after Marco. Even Get Set Baby failed at the box office. He was supposed to direct a film, but Gokulam Movies withdrew. He is showing that frustration on the people around him. None of them are with him now. Even I have my limits,” claimed Vipin.

Vipin then filed a complaint against Unni with FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala) and AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists).

Industry bodies react

The matter was addressed by the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) and the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA). Both organisations held a joint discussion with the parties involved. Based on the evidence presented by Vipin Kumar, Unni’s earlier statements were found to be factually incorrect.

FEFKA General Secretary B Unnikrishnan and AMMA office-bearers clarified in a press conference that they would not intervene in the police complaint. They said that the case should proceed according to legal procedures.