Siby Malayil criticizes Sandra Thomas over the FEFKA dispute and defends B Unnikrishnan

Filmmaker Siby Malayil has strongly criticized producer Sandra Thomas over her ongoing dispute with FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala) General Secretary B Unnikrishnan.

According to On Manorama, Siby Malayil asserted that Sandra’s complaint should be handled by the producers’ association rather than FEFKA. He also defended Unnikrishnan, stating that he would personally deal with any legal cases against him.

"There is no valid reason to expel Unnikrishnan from FEFKA solely based on a discussion in the producers’ association, particularly when he was not allowed to be present, "Siby Malayil stated. He also suggested that the controversy was part of a larger move targeting not just Unnikrishnan but FEFKA as an organization.
The director revealed that Unnikrishnan had previously helped resolve several of Sandra’s issues with FEFKA members. “We ensured she received compensation on multiple occasions, and at no point did FEFKA declare noncooperation against her," he said. Siby Malayil also claimed that Sandra demanded Rs 1 crore as compensation for the shelved film Joothan, directed by Bhadran. The matter was eventually resolved with an agreement that Bhadran would pay Sandra Rs 15 lakh if the project was revived under a different producer.
Siby Malayil further addressed Sandra’s past disputes with directors Midhun Manuel Thomas and Jude Anthany Joseph regarding ‘Ohm Shanthi Oshaana.’. He recalled that Sandra was forced to step away from the project and that FEFKA mediated a settlement, ensuring Midhun returned Rs 7 lakh to Sandra, while another Rs 7 lakh was secured from Jude. Additionally, as part of the resolution, Midhun directed Aadu for Sandra without taking a fee.
Expressing surprise, Siby Malayil questioned why Sandra never formally approached the producers’ association with her complaints, despite leveling allegations against FEFKA. “She raised multiple issues with us but never filed a single complaint with the producers’ association,” he noted.