The much-anticipated Tamil film 'Vaa Vaathiyaar', starring Karthi, has found itself entangled in a serious legal and financial web, moving its drama from the silver screen to the courtrooms. What began as a production delay has escalated into a full-blown legal battle that now involves the Madras High Court and the Supreme Court, putting the film's release in indefinite limbo.
From Studio to Court: The Loan Dispute That Grounded a Film
The core of the issue lies in a substantial financial loan. According to a petition filed in the Madras High Court, the production house behind the film, Studio Green, borrowed a sum of Rs 10 crore 35 lakh from businessman Arjun Lal Sundar Das. The petition revealed that the lender was declared bankrupt in 2014, and an executor was appointed to manage his assets.
Over time, with accrued interest, the outstanding amount ballooned to a staggering Rs 21 crore 78 lakh 50 thousand. The petitioner, acting on behalf of the property owner, argued that despite being given sufficient time, the loan was not repaid. Consequently, they sought not only the repayment of the massive sum from producer Gnanavel Raja but also an interim ban on the release of 'Vaa Vaathiyaar' until the dues were cleared.
Madras High Court's Decisive Order: A Complete Release Ban
The Madras High Court examined the case and delivered a decisive blow to the film's team. The court observed that the time given for loan repayment had been misused. Based on this finding, the bench ordered a strict injunction: the film 'Vaa Vaathiyaar' cannot be released until the entire loan amount is repaid in full.
This order brought all promotional activities and release plans to a screeching halt. The film, which features Telugu actress Krithi Shetty as the female lead and a strong supporting cast including Rajkiran, Sathyaraj, and G.M. Sundar, was completely ready for audience viewing. Directed by Nalan Kumarasamy with music by Santhosh Narayanan, the project was reportedly aiming for a release on December 24, coinciding with the death anniversary of former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), before the legal hurdle emerged.
Supreme Court Appeal: The Final Hope for Vaa Vaathiyaar?
Faced with a binding high court order, the film's producers have now escalated the matter to the highest judicial authority in the country. Studio Green has approached the Supreme Court of India, challenging the injunction order passed by the Madras High Court.
This appeal marks a critical turning point for the fate of 'Vaa Vaathiyaar'. The entire film crew and its legion of fans are now pinning their hopes on the Supreme Court's proceedings for an amicable and favorable resolution. The outcome of this legal appeal will ultimately decide whether and when the audience gets to see Karthi in this new avatar.
The case highlights the complex financial underpinnings of film production and how liabilities can derail even the most promising projects. As the legal teams prepare their arguments, the Indian film industry and fans across Tamil Nadu and beyond await the final verdict with bated breath.
