Filmmaker Shalini Vijaykumar reacts to plagiarism controversy: ‘Seeing Crimson’ is my authentic work

Shalini Vijaykumar.
| Photograph Credit score: Karishma Harinath

Days after author and journalist Jeyarani made plagiarism accusations in opposition to Shalini Vijayakumar, the filmmaker has responded to the controversy. Shalini has stated that her quick movie Seeing Crimson is an authentic work.

Seeing Crimson centres round three girls who’re haunted by a ghost seen solely to them whereas their household stays unaware. Set within the Eighties, the movie blends themes resembling patriarchy and girls empowerment. The 30-minute darkish comedy drama was completely shot on iPhone 16 Professional Max.

The movie was chosen for the MAMI’s Choose: Filmed on iPhone initiative. On Friday (02, 2025), Jeyarani took to Instagram to assert that Seeing Crimson relies on her story, Sevvarali Poocharam, from her short-story assortment Sennilam.

On Monday (05, 2025), in an interview with CNN-Information 18, Shalini stated, “I want to state clearly and respectfully that my movie Seeing Crimson is an authentic work. Any resemblance to different tales is solely coincidental. Whereas I acknowledge that appropriation and story theft are actual considerations within the inventive business, and I take them critically, on this case, I stand by the integrity of my course of and the authenticity of the story.”

Shalini added that she is able to face any authorized challenges, as and after they floor. “I’ll stand agency in my assertion that Seeing Crimson is my authentic work. It’s not impressed by or plagiarised from any work of fiction.”

Jeyarani accused that Seeing Crimson has distorted her story and been appropriated by a Brahmanical lens. “Not solely each inch of it has been stolen, right down to the title (Sevvarali Poocharam – Crimson Oleander Flower string), the interval and style, however it has additionally distorted and appropriated by a Brahmanical lens. I used to be struck by a deep interior turmoil upon seeing it,” she wrote.

ALSO READ:Shalini Vijayakumar’s Seeing Crimson, brings energy and patriarchy to the fore

Ace director Vetri Maaran is claimed to have mentored Shalini for the movie, serving to her refine her script and guiding her concerning the themes concerned within the film. Jeyarani stated she has knowledgeable Vetri Maaran concerning the problem, and is awaiting his response .The author-journalist additionally sought a public apology from Shalini, including that she is about to take a authorized motion in opposition to the director.