Kochi: The Income Tax Department has issued a notice to actor and filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, seeking clarification regarding the remuneration received for his involvement in three films. The department has requested details related to the income earned from Kaduva, Jana Gana Mana, and Gold. Although Prithviraj did not receive any payment as an actor for these films, it has been revealed that he earned approximately Rs 40 crore as a co-producer.
The department is seeking an explanation on whether this income was received under the banner of his production company. According to officials, this is a routine step in the financial assessment process. The notice was issued by the Kochi Income Tax Department on March 29, with a directive for Prithviraj to submit his response by April 29. It is noted that actor income is subject to a higher tax rate compared to income earned as a part-time producer. The department alleges that around Rs 40 crore was earned by Prithviraj from the three films mentioned.
All three films in question were released in 2022. The Income Tax Department had previously sought clarification on the income from these projects. The latest notice comes as part of the financial year-end procedures in March. It was sent via e-mail, with instructions to respond either directly or through a representative.
This development comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding Empuraan, a high-profile film directed by Prithviraj. The timing of the notice is seen as significant, as it follows recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the establishments of Gokulam Gopalan, owner of Gokulam Movies, the distributor of Empuraan.
