Chennai – A Tamil engineering student has taken legal action against the makers of the recently released film Amaran for featuring his personal mobile number in a pivotal scene, causing him relentless harassment. VV Vaageesan, the affected student, has demanded ₹1.1 crore as compensation for the distress and disruption caused.
Unintended Celebrity Attention
Released on October 31, 2024, Amaran, starring Sivakarthikeyan and Sai Pallavi, triggered the ordeal after showcasing Vaageesan’s phone number in a scene where Sai Pallavi’s character scribbles a contact on a crumpled paper. Fans, assuming the number belonged to the actress or Indu Rebecca Varghese (another key figure in the film’s plot), inundated Vaageesan with calls and messages.
The calls began while Vaageesan was celebrating Deepavali with his family. “At first, I was confused, but then the volume of calls increased, and I discovered my number was used in the film,” he shared. Despite muting his phone, the disruptions persisted, affecting his daily life, studies, and even routine tasks like booking cabs.
Ignored Pleas for Resolution
Initially, Vaageesan attempted to address the issue informally by tagging the film’s director Rajkumar Periyasamy and actor Sivakarthikeyan on social media. However, his efforts were met with silence. Left with no alternative, Vaageesan filed a legal notice through his lawyer, demanding the immediate removal of his number from the film and compensation for the “mental agony and untold hardships” he endured.
The student emphasized that changing his number was not an option as it is linked to vital documents like Aadhaar and bank accounts.
Demands and Industry Reaction
Vaageesan’s legal notice seeks ₹1.1 crore in damages, while the filmmakers have yet to respond. The case highlights the consequences of oversight in movie production, particularly concerning the unintended impact on individuals.
As Vaageesan continues to face harassment, this legal battle underscores the importance of diligence and accountability in the creative process.
