Chennai: Actor Vikram-starrer Dhruva Natchathiram has received a significant boost after the Madras High Court reportedly dismissed appeals filed by creditors challenging the film’s theatrical release. The development is being viewed as a major relief for the makers of the long-delayed spy thriller directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon.
High Court dismisses creditors’ appeals
According to reports, a division bench comprising Justices P. Velmurugan and K. Govindarajan Thilakavadi dismissed appeals filed by creditors K. Prem Kumar and K. Punniyamoorthy. The appeals had challenged an earlier order permitting the release of Dhruva Natchathiram under specific conditions.
The dismissal of the appeals is expected to clear a major legal hurdle that has prevented the film from reaching theatres for several years. However, a detailed order from the court is still awaited.
Long-running legal dispute
The legal battle is linked to a financial dispute concerning the theatrical distribution rights of Enai Noki Paayum Thota. Reports indicate that proceedings began following disagreements involving Escape Artists Motion Pictures, one of the producers associated with the project.
In 2018, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was reportedly signed, resulting in the transfer of 50 per cent of certain producer rights to the producers of Dhruva Natchathiram. The matter later became the subject of litigation, contributing to repeated delays in the film’s release.
Earlier this year, a single judge of the Madras High Court reportedly allowed the release of the film subject to specific conditions. The court had also directed the creation of an escrow account in the name of Kondaduvom Entertainment.
Gautham Menon speaks out
Following the legal developments, director Gautham Vasudev Menon shared a note expressing relief over the court’s decision. He stated that certain individuals had attempted to prevent the film’s release and damage his professional career.
The filmmaker praised the judiciary for paving the way for the project and described the order as a landmark decision that could serve as a precedent for other films facing financial and legal challenges within the industry.
Film delayed for nearly a decade
Dhruva Natchathiram was originally announced for release in 2017 but has remained unreleased due to a combination of financial and legal complications. Over the years, the project has become one of the most talked-about delayed films in Tamil cinema.
The spy action thriller stars Vikram in the lead role alongside Ritu Varma, R. Parthiban, Simran, Radikaa Sarathkumar and Aishwarya Rajesh.
Written by Gautham Vasudev Menon and Deepak Venkateshan, the film has been produced by Ondraga Entertainment and Oruoorileoru Film House. Reports suggest the movie was made on a budget of around ₹80 crore.
Release date still awaited
While the latest court development has strengthened hopes of a theatrical release, the makers have not yet announced an official release date. Fans who have waited nearly nine years for the film are now expecting an update from the production team in the coming weeks.
With the legal obstacles reportedly easing, Dhruva Natchathiram appears closer than ever to finally reaching the big screen.