Nivin Pauly, Abrid Shine Booked For Allegedly Cheating Producer; Actor Responds To Claims

Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly and filmmaker Abrid Shine have landed into trouble, as a case has been registered against them, following a complaint by a resident of Thalayolaparambu, in Kottayam, Kerala, reported PTI. They have been accused of financial fraud, police said on Thursday (July 17).

Case against Nivin Pauly and director Abrid Shine 

On Wednesday (July 16) night, an FIR under section 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the IPC was registered against Pauly and Shine, based on the complaint by PS Shamnas, who was the co-producer of the actor's film Mahaveeryar (2022).

Shamnas, in his complaint has alleged that as Mahaveeryar was a failure commercially, Pauly had offered to pay him Rs 95 lakh. He also promised him a partnership in his upcoming movie Action Hero Biju 2, directed by Shine, and made him spend around Rs 1.9 crore for shooting of the film.

He also claimed that the movie was also registered under the banner of his company, Indian Movie Makers.

The complainant also alleged that Pauly and Shine had later entered into a Rs 5 crore distribution deal with a Dubai-based firm, on the basis of the earlier contract which showed Pauly's production house as the producer.

Shamnas has accused them of cheating him of Rs 1.9 crore, by hiding the film’s actual registration.

Nivin Pauly reacts to cheating allegations

Pauly has reacted to the allegations in a Facebook post. His team shared a statement that read, "We would like to clarify that the dispute has been under court-directed arbitration since 28.06.2025, with a gag order in place to ensure confidentiality. Despite this, a new case has been registered without respecting the court's directions and by concealing the ongoing arbitration proceedings and manipulating facts. We will pursue appropriate legal action. The truth will prevail."