December 18 proved to be a day of significant developments for the South Indian film industry, with events spanning legal controversies, music releases, and long-awaited court verdicts capturing the attention of fans and industry insiders alike.
Legal Hurdles for Upcoming Releases
The planned release of actor Karthi's film, Vaa Vaathiyaar, scheduled for December 24, has been thrown into fresh doubt. The production company approached the Supreme Court, challenging the release ban imposed by the Madras High Court. However, in a setback, the Supreme Court dismissed the plea. This leaves the legal issues unresolved, casting a shadow over the film's imminent theatrical debut.
In a separate incident in Hyderabad, the KPHB police have registered a suo motu case against the organisers and management of Lulu Mall. The case pertains to the unauthorised song launch event for the film The Raja Saab, which featured actress Nidhhi Agerwal. Police officials stated the event was held without prior permission, an act deemed illegal, after videos from the gathering went viral on social media.
Court Actions and Clearances
In a positive development for actor Dileep, a court returned his passport on the same day he filed a petition. The actor sought permission to travel abroad for film promotions. His lawyer clarified that the passport, which had been seized, was returned as the investigation was complete and the actor was found not guilty. This clearance now allows Dileep to undertake international travel for work.
After a protracted legal battle lasting 13 years, the Kottayam Commercial Court delivered a verdict in the script dispute concerning the Mohanlal-starrer Karmayodha. The court ruled that the story, screenplay, and dialogues rightfully belong to writer Reji Mathew, confirming the script was used without his authorisation. The court has ordered a compensation of Rs 30 lakh and directed that the copyright of the film be handed over to Mathew.
Music and Hype Building
On the promotional front, the second single from Thalapathy Vijay's highly anticipated film Jana Nayagan has set the internet abuzz. Titled Oru Pere Varalaaru, the song is composed by Anirudh Ravichander and sung by Vishal Mishra and Anirudh himself. Blending political commentary with mass appeal, the track swiftly went viral on social media, further accelerating the hype for the film's worldwide release on January 9.
From legal entanglements blocking releases to viral songs fuelling box office expectations, December 18 underscored the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the South Indian film industry, where news from courtrooms can be as impactful as announcements from recording studios.
