HC vacates stay on Kaali, asks producer to deposit Rs 2 crore

The division bench comprising Justice R Subbiah and Justice Audikesavulu before whom the appeal filed by Vijay Antony against the order of single judge staying the movie’s release, directed Vijay Antony to offer a bank guarantee of Rs 2 crore to the credit of the civil suit. 

On April 6, a single judge of the High court had passed the interim order staying the release of Kaali till April 11 on a plea moved by William Alexander, proprietor of Picture Box Company against Fathima Vijay Antony, proprietor of Vijay Antony Pictures.

According to Alexander, he was the distributer of Antony’s Film Anna durai released in 2017 for Tamil Nadu. He alleged that the actor had sold the distribution rights at a higher price but managed not to show preview of the film till its release. “The film received moderate collection andwas dumped in just a week due to poor box office,” Alexander said. 

Thereafter, Antony allegedly promised to give the distribution rights of Kaali at a lower price to Alexander and signed an agreement. Alexander also paid Antony Rs 50 lakh as advance. However, he failed to keep his promise and Alexander had to move court.