Director Sudha Kongara has approached the Madras High Court, alleging that production house Dawn Pictures has failed to pay the full remuneration agreed upon for Parasakthi. The filmmaker has sought interim relief under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, claiming that Rs 8.39 crore remains unpaid despite the film’s release earlier this year.
Sudha Kongara seeks legal remedy over pending payment
According to submissions made before the court on Tuesday, Sudha had entered into an agreement with Dawn Pictures to direct Parasakthi for a remuneration of Rs 15 crore. Including GST, the total amount payable reportedly stood at Rs 17.70 crore. Her legal counsel informed the court that while Rs 9.31 crore has already been paid, the remaining Rs 8.39 crore is yet to be settled.
The plea further stated that Sudha had fulfilled her contractual obligations by directing the film and assigning all intellectual property rights related to Parasakthi to the production banner. Despite this, her counsel argued, the balance amount has not been released.
The legal team also pointed out that Dawn Pictures had publicly projected Parasakthi as a commercially successful venture, claiming it grossed around Rs 100 crore, while allegedly failing to honour its financial commitments to the filmmaker.
Court reserves decision on Idhayam Murali’s release
As part of the proceedings, Sudha Kongara has requested the court to restrain the release of Idhayam Murali, another Dawn Pictures production that is currently scheduled to arrive in theatres on July 10. Her counsel argued that the production house should not be allowed to proceed with a fresh release while the alleged dues remain unpaid.
Hearing the matter, Justice Kumaresh Babu directed that Parasakthi should not be released on satellite television until July 8. The court clarified that the order does not affect the film’s digital release, as its OTT premiere has already taken place. The interim direction applies only to the satellite rights.
The court has also instructed Dawn Pictures to file its response by July 7 regarding Sudha’s plea seeking to stall the release of Idhayam Murali. The matter is expected to come up for further hearing on July 8, just two days before the film’s scheduled theatrical release.
Founded by producer Aakash Baskaran, Dawn Pictures made its production debut with Dhanush’s Idli Kadai before backing Parasakthi, which released earlier this year. Directed by Sudha Kongara, the film starred Sivakarthikeyan, Atharvaa, Sreeleela and Ravi Mohan in pivotal roles. While Parasakthi opened to mixed reviews, it generated considerable discussion upon release.
Meanwhile, Idhayam Murali marks Aakash Baskaran’s directorial debut and reunites him with Atharvaa after Parasakthi. The romantic drama also stars Kayadu Lohar, Fahadh Faasil, Preity Mukhundhan, Thaman, Rakshan and Dravid Selvam in key roles. Although the film is currently slated for a July 10 theatrical release after facing multiple postponements, its immediate future now depends on the outcome of the legal proceedings before the Madras High Court.
With the next hearing scheduled for July 8, the verdict could have significant implications not only for the release of Idhayam Murali but also for the ongoing dispute between Sudha Kongara and Dawn Pictures.
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