Release Dhruva Natchathiram on or before June 15: Court clears Vikram's film

The Madras High Court has laid down a framework to enable Dhruva Natchathiram's release by June 15. The order puts financial oversight in place while pending dues and exhibitor talks continue.

In Short

• Investors agreed to proceed if earnings are channelled through escrow oversight
• Court ordered a dedicated account and lawyer-led monitoring of transactions
• No partner can receive salary or profit share without permission

Chiyaan Vikram's long-delayed film Dhruva Natchathiram, directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, has moved closer to release after the Madras High Court facilitated its release on or before June 15. The order was passed by Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy in the backdrop of the film's prolonged financial and legal issues.

The court's direction follows the stand taken by investors K Punniyamoorthy and K Premkumar, who said they were willing to allow the film's release if the revenue generated from it was routed through an escrow mechanism. The court has now ordered the opening of a dedicated bank account in the name of Kondaduvom Entertainment and directed that a lawyer be appointed as a supervisor to monitor all financial transactions, including income and expenditure.

The judge also made it clear that no payment, whether towards salary or profit share, should be made to any partner of Kondaduvom Entertainment without the court's permission. Gautham Menon is still required to secure funds from investors to clear pending dues before the film can be released. He is also expected to hold talks with theatre owners and other stakeholders before the release date is finalised.

The court further said that if the film cannot be released before June 15, despite best efforts, the parties concerned may approach them again to seek more time. An official confirmation on the release of Dhruva Natchathiram is yet to be issued by the makers.

The film went on floors in 2017 but ran into several hurdles, including financial and legal troubles as well as disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. After remaining delayed for years, the film completed shooting in 2023. In September 2023, the producers announced that it would release on November 24, 2023, but the plan was halted a day before release because of pending financial issues.

In January 2024, the team again indicated that the film could arrive in February 2024, but that release also did not take place. In the meantime, another delayed Gautham Menon film, Joshua: Imai Pol Kaakha, was released in March 2024.

Apart from Vikram, Dhruva Natchathiram features Vinayakan, Ritu Varma, Parthiban, Simran and Radikaa Sarathkumar, among others. The film has cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa, Jomon T John, Santhana Krishnan and Ravichandran, and editing by Praveen Antony. It is backed by Ondraga Entertainment in association with Oruoorileoru Film House.

With the court clearing the framework for financial oversight and release, the film has taken a fresh step towards reaching theatres, although pending dues, investor funding and discussions with exhibitors are still to be completed before the makers make an official announcement.

- Ends