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ED Attaches Filmmaker S. Shankar’s Properties Worth 10 Crore in Enthiran Case
Updated on: 21 February, 2025 12:02 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Still From Shankar`s Enthiran
In a significant development, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has provisionally attached three immovable properties worth 10.11 crore rupees belonging to renowned filmmaker S. Shankar. The Chennai Zonal Office of the ED took this step on Monday, February 17, 2025, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The attached properties include prime real estate assets, highlighting the severity of the case against the filmmaker, whose contributions to Tamil cinema have been widely acclaimed.
Tamilnadan accused Shankar of copying the storyline, rendering him liable under the Copyright Act, 1957, and the (then) Indian Penal Code. The case has been ongoing for more than a decade, and the latest move by the ED marks a crucial turn in the investigation.
In an official statement, the ED said, “Based on substantial evidence and records in hand, it has been determined that S. Shankar has violated Section 63 of the Copyright Act, 1957—a violation now classified as a scheduled offence under the PMLA, 2002.” The attachment of Shankar’s properties remains provisional, meaning he has the opportunity to contest the order before the adjudicating authority under the PMLA.
Also Read: Top 5 interesting facts about Kamal Haasan and Shankar`s Franchise
A critical breakthrough in the case came from an independent report by the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), which found “striking similarities” between Enthiran and Jiguba, particularly in the narrative structure, character arcs, and thematic elements. The FTII’s findings significantly strengthen the plagiarism allegations against Shankar.
As the investigation progresses, Shankar faces increasing legal challenges. The ED’s attachment of his properties signals a firm stance on alleged financial irregularities linked to copyright violations. Further developments in the investigation are expected in the coming weeks, and the outcome could set a precedent for similar cases in the entertainment industry.
Also Read: Vidaamuyarchi Box Office Collection Day 14: Tamil Hit Sees a Steady Decline
The Copyright Infringement Case
The legal battle against S. Shankar stems from a complaint filed by writer Aarur Tamilnadan on May 19, 2011, before the 13th Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Egmore, Chennai. Tamilnadan alleged that Shankar’s 2010 blockbuster film, Enthiran (Robot), starring superstar Rajinikanth, was based on his story titled Jiguba. Given Enthiran’s massive success—grossing 290 crore globally and setting box-office records—the allegations of copyright infringement have gained significant traction over the years.Tamilnadan accused Shankar of copying the storyline, rendering him liable under the Copyright Act, 1957, and the (then) Indian Penal Code. The case has been ongoing for more than a decade, and the latest move by the ED marks a crucial turn in the investigation.
In an official statement, the ED said, “Based on substantial evidence and records in hand, it has been determined that S. Shankar has violated Section 63 of the Copyright Act, 1957—a violation now classified as a scheduled offence under the PMLA, 2002.” The attachment of Shankar’s properties remains provisional, meaning he has the opportunity to contest the order before the adjudicating authority under the PMLA.
Also Read: Top 5 interesting facts about Kamal Haasan and Shankar`s Franchise
Financial Investigation and Further Probes
The investigation also revealed that Shankar received a substantial remuneration of 11.5 crore for his contributions to Enthiran, including story development, screenplay, dialogues, and direction. Sources indicate that authorities are closely examining Shankar’s financial transactions and asset acquisitions linked to his earnings from the film.A critical breakthrough in the case came from an independent report by the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), which found “striking similarities” between Enthiran and Jiguba, particularly in the narrative structure, character arcs, and thematic elements. The FTII’s findings significantly strengthen the plagiarism allegations against Shankar.
As the investigation progresses, Shankar faces increasing legal challenges. The ED’s attachment of his properties signals a firm stance on alleged financial irregularities linked to copyright violations. Further developments in the investigation are expected in the coming weeks, and the outcome could set a precedent for similar cases in the entertainment industry.
Also Read: Vidaamuyarchi Box Office Collection Day 14: Tamil Hit Sees a Steady Decline
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