Bengaluru: The release of the Kannada film Boss has been temporarily put on hold after actor Darshan Thoogudeepa challenged the film in the Karnataka High Court, alleging that it bears similarities to the ongoing Renukaswamy murder case in which he is an accused. During a hearing on Thursday, the film’s producer assured the court that the movie would not be released until June 30, providing interim relief to Darshan and his wife, Vijayalakshmi.
The matter came before Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur, who recorded the undertaking given by the producer’s counsel. With the assurance in place, the High Court adjourned the matter for further hearing on June 30, when it is expected to decide the next course of action regarding the film’s release.
High Court records producer’s undertaking
During the hearing, senior counsel Vivek Subba Reddy, appearing on behalf of Siri Productions, informed the court that the producers would voluntarily refrain from releasing the film until June 30.
The undertaking came in response to an appeal filed by Darshan and his wife against an earlier order that had vacated an interim injunction preventing the film’s release.
The High Court accepted the undertaking and postponed further proceedings to June 30, effectively keeping the release of Boss on hold until then.
How the legal dispute began
The controversy dates back to March when Darshan approached a Bengaluru trial court, claiming that the storyline, promotional material and teaser of Boss closely resembled the ongoing Renukaswamy murder case.
He argued that the film could create an impression among viewers that it was based on his personal life and the criminal proceedings currently pending against him.
On March 27, the trial court granted an ad-interim injunction restraining the release of the film. However, after hearing the matter in detail, the same court vacated the interim order on May 2, allowing the producers to proceed with the planned release.
Aggrieved by that decision, Darshan and Vijayalakshmi challenged the order before the Karnataka High Court.
Darshan cites impact on fair trial
During arguments before the High Court, Darshan’s legal team contended that the trial court had overlooked important audiovisual material submitted as evidence.
According to the appeal, the petitioners identified as many as 13 similarities between the events portrayed in the film and the facts surrounding the Renukaswamy murder case.
The appeal further argued that promotional content, including the teaser and references suggesting that the film was “inspired by true events”, could lead audiences to associate the story with Darshan’s ongoing criminal case.
His lawyers maintained that such an association could damage his reputation and potentially prejudice his right to receive a fair trial.
Background of the Renukaswamy murder case
Darshan, along with actress Pavithra Gowda and several others, is facing charges in connection with the alleged abduction and murder of Renukaswamy.
The case has remained under intense public and media scrutiny since the investigation began.
The Karnataka High Court has previously dealt with petitions connected to the case, including requests relating to media coverage and concerns that excessive reporting could influence judicial proceedings.
The criminal trial is continuing separately from the present dispute concerning the release of Boss.
Fate of the film remains uncertain
With the producer voluntarily agreeing to postpone the release, audiences will have to wait at least until the next hearing before clarity emerges on whether Boss can be released without further legal restrictions.
The High Court is expected to examine Darshan’s objections in greater detail on June 30 before deciding whether the film should be allowed to hit theatres or remain stalled.
The decision could also have wider implications for films that are alleged to draw inspiration from ongoing criminal cases involving public figures.
Darshan’s recent film
Darshan was last seen in The Devil, a political action thriller released in December 2025. The film featured him in a dual role alongside Rachana Rai, Mahesh Manjrekar, Achyuth Kumar, Sharmiela Mandre, Roger Narayan, Shobaraj and Srinivas Prabhu.
Conclusion
For now, the release of Boss remains suspended following the producer’s undertaking before the Karnataka High Court. The outcome of the June 30 hearing will determine whether the film can proceed to theatres or if Darshan’s objections will result in further legal restrictions.
Excerpt: The Karnataka High Court has temporarily halted the release of Boss after Darshan alleged similarities between the film and the Renukaswamy murder case.
Tags: Darshan Boss movie case, Boss film release delay, Renukaswamy murder case update, Karnataka High Court Darshan, Kannada cinema legal news
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