Kannada Actor Yash’s Mother Alleges Rs 64L Film Scam

Pushpalatha, mother of popular Kannada actor Yash, has lodged a formal complaint alleging large-scale cheating, misuse of funds, and criminal intimidation by film promoter Harish Arasu and his associates. Pushpalatha, who made her entry into the film industry as a producer with her debut movie Kothalavadi, claims that Harish failed to deliver on promotional commitments while collecting substantial amounts in her name.

According to the FIR filed at High Grounds Police Station, Pushpalatha stated that she entrusted Harish Arasu with the responsibility of promoting Kothalavadi, which was filmed between 24 May 2025 and mid-July across locations including Talakadu, Gundlupet, Mysuru, and Chamarajanagar. Both parties had agreed on a promotion fee of Rs 23 lakh.

Pushpalatha alleges that Harish first received Rs 10 lakh on 18 May 2025 and another Rs 5 lakh on 21 May. She further claims that he collected an additional Rs 24 lakh through various channels under the film’s brand, bringing the total alleged misappropriation to Rs 64,87,700. This also includes Rs 4 lakh paid in cash on 31 July for print media advertising.

Despite these payments, Pushpalatha states that no promotional work was carried out for the film, which was scheduled for release on 1 August 2025. Although a trailer launch was held on 23 July, she claims that actor Yash had to spend Rs 21,75,000 from his own pocket due to Harish’s failure to execute the promotional work. Pushpalatha also alleges that several social media and film media promoters were left unpaid.

When Pushpalatha questioned Harish about the missing promotional work, he allegedly threatened her and demanded Rs 27 lakh in return. She also claims that she found no promotional material for the film on the release day and later discovered that Harish had been spreading negative publicity. Additionally, he allegedly threatened to post defamatory content about her on social media and to visit her house to create disturbances.

The complaint also mentions that actors Mahesh Guru and Swarnalatha (Rannayak), allegedly influenced by Harish, posted derogatory remarks about Pushpalatha online, which she claims damaged her reputation.

On 15 August 2025, Pushpalatha and the film’s director, Shriraj Ravari, reportedly received threatening phone calls from Harish Arasu, Manu, Nitin, and other unidentified individuals.

Through her complaint, Pushpalatha has requested the High Grounds Police Station to take legal action against Harish Arasu, Manu, Nitin, Mahesh Guru, and Swarnalatha (Rannayak) for cheating, criminal intimidation, defamation, and criminal conspiracy.

The case has drawn attention in the Kannada film industry due to the involvement of prominent figures and the alleged misappropriation of a significant sum of money for film promotion. Investigations are expected to follow, with authorities likely to summon all parties mentioned in the FIR for questioning.