Sujatha Vijayakumar, veteran film producer and mother-in-law of actor Ravi Mohan, has publicly responded to allegations made against her by her former son-in-law amidst his ongoing divorce battle with her daughter, Aarti Ravi. In a statement released on May 17, 2025, Vijayakumar addressed accusations of being a "tormentor," "gold digger," and "family breaker," asserting that she has never misused Ravi's name or position for financial gain.
The public dispute arose in the wake of Ravi Mohan's recent appearance at a wedding with rumored girlfriend Kenishaa Francis, which prompted Aarti Ravi to release a statement criticizing her estranged husband. Ravi responded by accusing Aarti of emotional and financial abuse during their marriage. This back-and-forth has drawn considerable media attention to the family's personal affairs, prompting Vijayakumar to break her silence and defend herself against the allegations leveled against her.
Vijayakumar, who has worked as a producer in the film industry for 25 years, expressed her anguish at being labeled a "tormentor" and "family breaker." She stated that she initially remained silent out of respect for her family and future generations, but that her silence had been misconstrued as manipulation. With the peace of her family at risk, she felt compelled to speak out and address the accusations.
Responding specifically to allegations that she used Ravi's name as surety for loans, Vijayakumar stated that she personally signed numerous documents, some even blank, to ensure his name remained unburdened. She revealed that she had borrowed approximately Rs 1100 crore to produce three films starring Ravi: 'Adangamaru', 'Bhoomi', and 'Siren'. She clarified that 25% of the budget for each film was allocated to Ravi's remuneration and taxes.
Vijayakumar also addressed claims that she attempted to exploit Ravi financially, stating that her efforts to reconcile with him were misinterpreted. She said that over the past year, she has made several sincere attempts to reach out to Ravi, not as a producer, but as a mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, with the sole intention of restoring peace within the family. She said that a recent message she sent him regarding a professional matter was intended to create an opening for a personal conversation, not to exploit him financially.
Despite the ongoing public dispute and the accusations against her, Vijayakumar stated that she still sees Ravi as a "hero" and expressed her wish for him to continue shining. She ended her statement on an emotional note, expressing her love and concern for her daughter, Aarti, and her grandchildren. She said that as a mother and mother-in-law, her only wish is to see her daughter and grandchildren live in a happy and united home, and that she is enduring unbearable pain seeing her daughter's home torn apart.
Ravi Mohan and Aarti Ravi tied the knot in 2009 and have two children. In 2024, Ravi announced their separation, reportedly without Aarti's agreement. The divorce proceedings and the ensuing public statements have brought the family's personal struggles into the limelight.