Legal Battle Halts Balakrishna’s ‘Akhanda 2’ Hours Before Release

The highly anticipated release of Nandamuri Balakrishna’s Akhanda 2: Thaandavam has been indefinitely postponed just hours before its scheduled worldwide premiere on December 5th, following an injunction granted by the Madras High Court.

The film, directed by Boyapati Srinu, faced an abrupt halt after its premieres on December 4th were also cancelled due to what the production house called “unavoidable circumstances.”

The ₹28 Crore Legal Block

The primary reason for the stay order is a long-standing financial dispute between Eros International Media Limited and 14 Reels Entertainment Private Limited, a group entity related to the film’s producers.

• The Debt: Eros International approached the Madras High Court to enforce an arbitral award against 14 Reels Entertainment for a money decree amounting to approximately ₹28 crore plus interest, stemming from a decade-old payment issue.
• The Injunction: Eros argued that the release of Akhanda 2 under the connected banner, 14 Reels Plus LLP, was an attempt to flout the financial obligation. The Madras High Court’s Division Bench agreed, granting an injunction that restrains the release, distribution, or commercial exploitation of Akhanda 2 until further court orders are given.

Industry Response and Status Update

The film’s production house, 14 Reels Plus, issued a statement expressing their regret to fans: “With a heavy heart, we regret to inform you that #Akhanda2 will not be releasing as scheduled due to unavoidable circumstances… We are working tirelessly to resolve the matter at the earliest.”

Tiruppur Subramanian, Chairman of Sri Sakthi Cinemas, provided an update via a voice note, confirming the efforts being made by the film’s makers. He mentioned that a crucial court case was scheduled for the morning of December 5th, expressing hope that the issue would be “99% sorted” by noon or evening, allowing the film to be released shortly after.

As of now, the makers have not confirmed a new release date, which remains contingent on the outcome of the court proceedings.

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