The much-anticipated Pongal release of actor Karthi's action-comedy film 'Vaa Vaathiyaar' has been officially blocked by the Madras High Court. The court has upheld a strict ban on the film's release across all platforms until outstanding financial dues of a staggering ₹21.78 crore are cleared in full.
High Court Takes a Firm Stand on Financial Dues
In a significant hearing on Friday, a Division Bench of Justices SM Subramaniam and C Kumarappan refused to grant any relief to the film's producers. The court explicitly rejected a plea to allow a theatrical release for the Pongal festival in exchange for a partial repayment of the debt. The judges noted that ample time had already been provided and that past assurances from the production side had failed to result in a settlement.
The court has directed the Official Assignee to proceed with auctioning the film's rights to recover the money. The ban is absolute, prohibiting the release of 'Vaa Vaathiyaar' in theaters, on OTT platforms, or any other digital medium.
Roots of the Dispute: A Decade-Old Investment Deal
The legal troubles plaguing 'Vaa Vaathiyaar' stem from a financial agreement made back in 2011. The film's producer had entered into a partnership with businessman Sunderdas, where both parties agreed to invest ₹40 crore each for a project.
Sunderdas invested ₹12.85 crore before exiting the venture. However, he was declared insolvent in 2014. The Official Assignee of the High Court, appointed to handle his assets and debts, later identified that ₹10.35 crore from this investment remained pending. A petition for repayment with interest was filed in 2016, initiating a long legal battle with only partial payments made over the years.
With accrued interest, the total liability has now ballooned to ₹21.78 crore, which the court insists must be paid before the film sees the light of day.
Production Delays and Missed Opportunities
'Vaa Vaathiyaar', directed by Nalan Kumarasamy and starring Karthi alongside Krithi Shetty, Rajkiran, Sathyaraj, Anandaraj, Karunakaran, and GM Sundar, has faced a troubled production journey. It was originally scheduled for release on December 12 last year but was delayed due to these legal issues.
The recent postponement of Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' had opened a potential festive release window, prompting the 'Vaa Vaathiyaar' team to aim for a Pongal release. However, the Madras High Court's latest order has dashed those hopes, leaving the film in indefinite legal limbo. The excitement generated by its trailer and songs now hangs in the balance, contingent entirely on the resolution of this financial dispute.
Disclaimer: This report is based on court proceedings and available information. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
