Tribanadhari Barbarik, starring Sathyaraj, Udayabhanu, and Vashishta Simha, has struggled to attract audiences since its limited release, with theaters nearly empty. Director Mohan Srivatsa, deeply disappointed, shared his frustration in a viral Instagram video. He described visiting a screening attended by only about ten people, who praised the film despite its poor turnout. Srivatsa questioned why small-budget films like his fail to gain traction, contrasting them with the strong support often seen for Malayalam cinema.
Fulfilling a bold promise—“If I don’t like this film, I will beat it with my sandal”—Srivatsa struck himself with a sandal in the video, sparking widespread online discussion. The dramatic gesture has divided social media, with some expressing sympathy for the struggles of independent filmmakers, while others debate the director’s extreme response. This incident underscores the challenges small-budget films face in a competitive industry, prompting conversations about audience engagement and the viability of such projects in today’s market.
