Ernakulam court dismisses Sandra Thomas’ plea challenging rejection of KFPA nomination

A rule set by the KFPA states that a producer must have three films under their name to run for any of the top posts. Under Thomas’ current banner, she has only bankrolled two

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An Ernakulam sub-court has reportedly dismissed a plea filed by producer Sandra Thomas, challenging the rejection of her nomination for any office-bearer posts at the Kerala Film Producers’ Association (KFPA). The 39-year-old had entered the race for president, treasurer, and executive committee member.

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Thomas’ nominations for the KFPA were rejected on a technicality, which states that a producer must have bankrolled at least three films. Under her current production banner, Sandra Thomas Productions, she has produced only two films—Kallan D'Souza and Nalla Nilavulla Rathri.

She previously co-helmed Friday Film House with Vijay Babu, which produced several well-known films like Philips and the Monkey Pen and Zachariayude Garbhinikal. The pair had a falling out, which resulted in Babu taking full control of the firm. Reportedly, the KFPA said that the transfer of rights to Babu makes her ineligible to have three or more film credits under her name.

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Babu took to Facebook to explain why Thomas cannot contest the elections. “She represented Friday Film House for a while and resigned legally in 2016 (all notarised by the court) after taking her share or more. She has had nothing to do with Friday Film House for the past 10 years. Anyway, let the court decide. Might be new info for all of us too if it’s decided otherwise.”

After the court’s plea dismissal, Thomas voiced her frustration and penned on Facebook that she will be taking further legal action. “The verdict is disappointing. Future actions will be taken after consulting with legal experts,” she posted.

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