Aashirvad Cinemas warns of fake casting calls circulating under its name
Synopsis
Aashirvad Cinemas has joined a growing list of Indian production houses — from Malayalam to Telugu to Tamil cinema — issuing public warnings against fraudulent casting calls circulating under their names. The scams target aspiring actors, with fake agents soliciting personal information and payments. Industry-wide, the problem spans at least five major production houses over the past year, signalling an organised fraud operation exploiting cinema's casting pipeline.
Key Takeaways
Aashirvad Cinemas issued a public alert on 5 May warning of fraudulent casting and audition communications circulating under its name.
The production house has not authorised, appointed, endorsed, or engaged any person or agency for casting calls or auditions.
A formal complaint has been filed and an investigation initiated; Aashirvad Cinemas reserves the right to pursue civil and criminal proceedings.
Similar warnings have been issued by Mythri Movie Makers (December), Raaj Kamal Films International (November), and Neelam Productions (August).
Official casting announcements will only be made through verified and authorised channels of the respective production houses.
Aashirvad Cinemas, a prominent Malayalam production house, has issued a public alert cautioning citizens against fraudulent casting and audition communications being circulated by unauthorised persons using its name. The production house, known for delivering blockbuster Malayalam films, has filed a formal complaint and initiated an investigation into the matter.
What Aashirvad Cinemas Said
In a public notice shared across its social media channels on 5 May, Aashirvad Cinemas clarified that it has not authorised, appointed, endorsed, or engaged any person, agency, or entity for casting calls, auditions, recruitment, or payment requests. The production house stated, "A formal complaint has been filed and investigation initiated. Aashirvad Cinemas reserves all rights and remedies available under law, including civil and criminal proceedings, against the persons concerned."
Public Advisory and Liability Disclaimer
The production house warned the public not to act upon unauthorised communications. According to the notice, "Any engagement shall be at the individual's own risk, and Aashirvad Cinemas disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, misuse of information, or consequence arising therefrom." The statement further specified that official announcements will only be made through verified and authorised channels.
A Widening Pattern Across Indian Cinema
Aashirvad Cinemas is not alone in facing this challenge. In December of the previous year, Telugu production house Mythri Movie Makers issued a similar warning, stating that all casting calls would only be announced through their official X handle @MythriOfficial. The production house also flagged a fake Instagram account impersonating Naveen Yerneni, a key figure at the company.
In November, actor Kamal Haasan's production firm Raaj Kamal Films International issued a clarification that it had not hired any casting agents for any of its films, warning the public against trusting unsolicited emails, messages, and social media posts claiming to be from the company.
Earlier Warnings from Other Production Houses
In August of the previous year, Neelam Productions, the production house of director and producer Pa Ranjith, urged actors to be cautious of fake audition calls. The production house clarified on its official channels that audition calls would only be shared through verified handles and that any external announcements were fraudulent.
What This Means for Aspiring Actors
The recurring nature of these scams suggests that fraudsters are exploiting the aspirations of actors and performers seeking opportunities in Indian cinema. Experts advise verifying all casting calls through official production house websites and verified social media accounts before providing personal information or making any financial commitments. The pattern indicates that this issue spans multiple regional film industries — Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil — highlighting a broader vulnerability in how casting information is distributed.
Point of View
Telugu, and Tamil production houses signals a coordinated fraud operation targeting aspiring actors. What's notable is the pattern — five major production houses in less than a year — suggesting either a single organised network or a systemic vulnerability in how the film industry publicises casting opportunities. The fact that fraudsters are using the names of established houses rather than creating entirely fictional ones indicates they understand the aspirational pull of legitimate production house credentials. Until the industry standardises a verified casting platform (similar to how major studios operate in Hollywood), these warnings will likely remain reactive rather than preventive.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fake casting call scam targeting Aashirvad Cinemas?
Fraudulent casting and audition communications are being circulated by unauthorised persons using the name of Aashirvad Cinemas. The production house has not authorised, appointed, endorsed, or engaged any person, agency, or entity for such communications. Aashirvad Cinemas has filed a formal complaint and initiated an investigation.
Which other production houses have faced similar fake casting call scams?
Mythri Movie Makers (December), Raaj Kamal Films International (November), and Neelam Productions (August) have all issued public warnings about fake casting calls and fraudulent agents using their names. The scams appear to span Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil cinema industries.
How can aspiring actors verify if a casting call is legitimate?
Official casting announcements are made only through verified and authorised channels of the respective production houses. Aspiring actors should check the official social media handles, websites, and verified accounts of production houses before responding to any casting calls or providing personal information.
What legal action is Aashirvad Cinemas taking?
Aashirvad Cinemas has filed a formal complaint and initiated an investigation. The production house has stated it reserves all rights and remedies available under law, including civil and criminal proceedings, against the unauthorised persons involved.
