🔥 Joju George vs Lijo Jose Pellissery: Churuli Controversy Explodes! 🎬🔥
- MediaFx
- Jun 27
- 2 min read
TL;DRJoju George recently claimed he wasn’t paid for his cameo in Churuli and was misled into using profanities that later went viral online, affecting his family. Director Lijo Jose Pellissery fired back on Facebook, sharing a ₹5.9 lakh bank slip and stating Joju was fully aware of content and payment. Joju responded at a press meet, saying he still respects the director but wants
the full agreement public—including how the profane version got released on OTT.
🎥 What Joju George Says
Joju says he was told Churuli was only for film festivals, and that a censored version without profanity would be used publicly—but the OTT version was the uncut one with swear words.
He alleges he did not receive any payment, despite later seeing a bank slip. He wants the actual contract released.
Emotional toll: Joju says the fallout affected his daughter, who faced trolling and even had to switch schools.
🎬 What Lijo Jose Pellissery Counters
On June 26, Lijo shared a ₹5.9 lakh payment receipt covering Joju’s three-day shoot (₹5 lakh + GST).
He clarified Churuli only has an 'A' certificate and has not been released theatrically, only on SonyLIV, citing a High Court order tied to the film’s profanity.
He insists Joju “knew exactly” what was in store and denies any misleading.
👀 The Real Issues at Play
Topic | Joju’s Claim | Lijo’s Reply |
Payment | “I wasn’t paid anything” | “Here’s the ₹5.9 lakh bank slip” |
Profanity | “I was told only a clean version would be public” | “Joju knew the content and certificate” |
Family Impact | “My daughter faced bullying” | Not addressed |
Transparency | “Release full contract, not just receipt” | Only payment proof shared |
🎯 Why It Matters
Raises questions about festival vs OTT versions, consent for profane content, and fair actor compensation.
Highlights disproportionate emotional cost on Joju and his family, beyond just the money.
Reflects growing industry concern: actors want clarity and respect, not just receipts.
🗣️ MediaFx Take – From the People’s Perspective
From a working-class viewpoint, Joju George didn’t just seek money—he demanded respect, transparency, and dignity. 🎙️ It’s not low to ask for clarity. And once a version puffed with expletives hit OTT, it wasn’t just his image at stake—it hit his home, his child, his well-being. A ₹5.9 lakh bank statement might show a number—but does it show agreement terms, proper context, or who got hurt?
We need filmmakers to be straightforward—not hide behind receipts. When friendships blur professional lines, the working-class people want to know: were we genuinely informed, fairly compensated, and emotionally forewarned? That’s the real mark of integrity. 👊🪧
Engage: What do y’all think? Comment below if actors should get full contracts made public, especially when content choices impact their lives! 👇
