Income Tax Department Seeks Clarification from Prithviraj Sukumaran
The Income Tax Department has issued a notice to actor and filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, requesting clarification regarding his earnings from three films released in 2022: “Gold,” “Jana Gana Mana,” and “Kaduva.” Prithviraj co-produced and starred in these films but reportedly did not receive remuneration as an actor. Instead, he earned approximately ₹40 crore in his capacity as a co-producer. The department is seeking details about this income structure, as tax obligations differ between earnings received as an actor and those as a co-producer. The notice was sent via email on March 29, and Prithviraj has been asked to respond by April 29.
Routine Procedure Amid Recent Developments
Income Tax officials have described this notice as part of a routine verification process, emphasizing that it is standard procedure to seek such clarifications. This development follows recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the establishments of Gokulam Gopalan, one of the producers of Prithviraj’s latest directorial venture, “L2: Empuraan.” The ED’s actions are reportedly unrelated to the current Income Tax notice issued to Prithviraj.
Family’s Response to the Notice
Actress Mallika Sukumaran, Prithviraj’s mother, responded to the notice, stating that her son has done nothing wrong and that they are not afraid of any investigation. She expressed confidence in Prithviraj’s compliance with legal and financial regulations.
Ongoing Investigations and Industry Implications
This inquiry is part of the Income Tax Department’s ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and compliance within the film industry. Prithviraj Sukumaran, known for his significant contributions to Malayalam cinema, is expected to provide the necessary clarifications to address the department’s queries. The outcome of this inquiry may have broader implications for financial practices within the regional film industry.
