Legal hurdles 24 hrs ahead of Kabali release

Justice MM Sundresh on hearing a plea moved by Sukra Films seeking to restrain the release of Kabali until payment of Rs.89 lakh due to them owing to the loss incurred by the distribution of Rajinkanth-starrer Lingaa is paid, ordered notice and posted the case for further hearing to Thursday. 

Sukra films represented by R Mahaprabhu contended that they had obtained distribution rights of Lin gaa for Coimbatore region by paying an advance of Rs.13.25 crore. But the movie performed badly at the box office resulting in them suffering a loss of as much as Rs 7.45 crore. He further submitted that many of the distributors suffered a similar fate and the issue was taken up with Eros International, Vendhar movies and Rockline Venkatesh, the producer. 

Subsequently, a suit was filed at the City Civil Court in Chennai. However, based on assurances from Rajinikanth and Rockline Venkatesh to compensate the loss, the case was withdrawn. Based on this, Rs.12.50 crore was fixed as compensation for distributors and accordingly Rs.2.59 crore was allotted for Coimbatore region. But subsequently Rs.1.70 crore alone was paid with the assurance that the balance amount of Rs.89 lakh would be settled by Rajinikanth and Rockline Venkatesh. 

Noting that the money has still not come forth, the plea alleged that Rockline Venkatesh and Tamil Film Producers Council led by S Thanu, who is also the producer of Kab ali have usurped the money due to them sought the court to restrain the release of the film, until the money due to them is settled. 

Meanwhile, a petition was filed at the Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) seeking the court to direct the police to file a case against the crew members of Kabali, claiming that a song, Ulgam Oruvanuke, in the movie could disturb peace in the society.