'Paruthiveeran' directed by Ameer which was leased in 2007 marked the acting debut of today's top hero Karthi. The critically acclaimed blockbuster hit fetched actress Priya Mani the Best Actress National Award and the film is still considered a benchmark in Tamil cinema.

However offscreen the film did not give any delight to the makers as it has been embroiled in controversy for the past seventeen years. K.E. Gnanavelraja who also debuted as a producer in a recent interview accused that Ameer embezzled several crores from him. Several film industry personalities incuding Samuthirakani, Sasikumar and others who were involved in 'Paruthi Veeran' have come out in support of Ameer and have slammed Gnanavelraja.

Veteran actor - director Ponvannan who played a prominent role in 'Paruthi Veeran' has also penned a long note supporting Ameer and has condemned Gnanavelraja. The rough English translation is below.

"Watched producer Gnanavel's latest media interview about 'Paruthi Veeran' movie! Not only as an actor in the film, but also as someone who has played a role in various capacities, I am obliged to give some explanations. When the film started and the first phase of shooting was completed, the producer and the director had a disagreement and the next phase of the shooting was delayed. We didn't know the full reason then.

Then when the second phase of shooting started, I learned that Aamir took the responsibility and took loans from many friends and relatives to pay for the shooting! The shooting continued in various phases. Each scene took several days until he was satisfied.

Whenever Samuthirakani and I, who were present, talked about the expenses, he reassured us and worked with the same mindset without compromising at all stages like dubbing, editing, re-recording. Having traveled in the film industry for many years, I found that hard work and dedication to be utmost respectable.

This is why, as someone who has traveled with him regularly, I can say with certainty that Ameer is not one to betray his 'creation' for money. After the release of the film, it became a global hit in Indian cinema, creatively, technically, critically, financially and the 'National Award' recognition came for the artists who participated in it.

Since the beginning of the film, there have been differences of opinion between the two especially due to the expenses incurred. Even after the release, various associations related to the film industry have intervened, and the problem has not been resolved. Producer Gnanavel has every right to tell his side of the story. But there should be a limit.

It is not acceptable to denigrate the work recognized by the world and its creator as a thief and a workaholic for your personal reasons..! Throughout that media interview, your body language and speech were arrogant and crooked..!

Have you weighed 'Parutthiveeran' and its creator with the same criteria as the adult movie 'Iruttu Arayil Murattu Kuthu' which you produced. Don't have this inferior mentality..! From now on, approach and solve the problems between you honestly."

Ponvannan hoped that the friendship and relationship that existed between everyone associated with 'Paruthiveeran' before it was launched should be reignited and blossome again.