Yash’s Mother Accuses Film Promoter of Rs 64L Fraud

Pushpalatha, the mother of acclaimed Kannada actor Yash, has filed a complaint alleging significant fraud, financial misappropriation, and criminal threats from film promoter Harish Arasu and his team. As a first-time producer of her movie Kothalavadi, she asserts that Harish neglected his promotional duties after collecting vast sums on her behalf.

The FIR, submitted at the High Grounds Police Station, details Pushpalatha's claims that she had entrusted Harish with the promotion of Kothalavadi, which was filmed between 24 May 2025 and mid-July at various locations, including Talakadu and Mysuru. They had settled on a fee of Rs 23 lakh for the promotion.

According to Pushpalatha, Harish received Rs 10 lakh on 18 May 2025 and another Rs 5 lakh shortly afterward, along with an extra Rs 24 lakh obtained through various means under the film’s branding. This led to an alleged total loss of Rs 64,87,700, which includes a cash payment of Rs 4 lakh made on 31 July for media advertising.

Despite these payments, Pushpalatha claims that no promotional activities were executed leading up to the film's release slated for 1 August 2025. Although a trailer was unveiled on 23 July, she contends that actor Yash had to personally cover Rs 21,75,000 for promotional efforts, as Harish failed to fulfill his responsibilities. Additionally, she alleges several promoters were not compensated.

When Pushpalatha confronted Harish regarding the lacking promotional efforts, he is said to have threatened her while demanding Rs 27 lakh. She discovered no marketing materials on the release day and later learned of Harish's efforts to spread negative information. Moreover, he allegedly intimidated her with threats of posting slanderous content online and causing disruptions at her home.

The complaint also highlights that actors Mahesh Guru and Swarnalatha (Rannayak), purportedly swayed by Harish, made offensive remarks about Pushpalatha online, which she claims harmed her reputation.

On 15 August 2025, both Pushpalatha and the movie’s director, Shriraj Ravari, reportedly received threatening calls from Harish Arasu, Manu, Nitin, and others yet to be identified.

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

This incident has caused a stir in the Kannada film industry, particularly given the high-profile nature of those involved and the alleged misappropriation of substantial funds meant for film promotion. Anticipation surrounds forthcoming inquiries, with authorities likely to summon all mentioned in the FIR for questioning.