Producer Sujatha Vijaykumar Refutes Debt Allegations by Ex-Son-in-Law Jayam Ravi

Jayam Ravi’s mother-in-law, Sujatha Vijayakumar, has broken her silence amid the ongoing family controversy. In a detailed statement released on Saturday, she refuted allegations made against her and expressed distress over the situation involving her son-in-law, Jayam Ravi.

Sujatha, a veteran film producer with 25 years of experience, began by highlighting the challenges she has faced as a woman in the industry. She noted that she has largely stayed away from the media, speaking only during her film releases. However, the recent serious accusations compelled her to respond publicly for the first time.

She clarified her professional relationship with Jayam Ravi, emphasizing that she has always kept family and work separate. “I have worked with Ravi as an actor on several projects and ensured that personal ties did not interfere with business,” she wrote. Addressing claims that she misused Ravi’s name for financial guarantees, Sujatha strongly denied any wrongdoing.

“How could I ever jeopardize his future?” she asked rhetorically. She explained that she often signed documents herself, sometimes even blank sheets given by financiers, to shield Jayam Ravi’s name from any financial liabilities. “If anything, I have protected him,” she asserted.

Sujatha also revealed her attempts to reconcile with Jayam Ravi over the past year. She mentioned trying to reach out not as a producer but as family — a mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother — hoping to restore peace. “Most recently, I messaged him regarding a professional matter, hoping it might open a door for personal discussion. It was never meant to exploit him financially, as he suggested,” she stated.

Despite the turmoil and the allegations levelled against her and her family, Sujatha expressed a wish that Ravi would remain their “hero.” She concluded her statement with an emotional appeal, reminding him of the family ties: “You have called me ‘Mother’ all these years. As your mother-in-law, my only wish is to see my daughter and grandchildren live in a happy and united home. No mother can bear to see her daughter lose her family and live in sorrow. I am living through that pain today.”

The controversy began after Jayam Ravi’s estranged wife, Aarti Ravi, publicly called him out following his appearance with singer-spiritual healer Kenishaa Francis at a wedding in Chennai. Ravi had accused Aarti of emotional and financial abuse, intensifying the family dispute. The couple married in 2009 but announced their separation in 2024, leaving Aarti and their sons reportedly blindsided by the decision.

This public airing of family issues has drawn significant attention, with Sujatha’s statement aiming to present her side amid the swirling allegations.