Release of Naadodigal-2 stayed in TN and Pondy

Justice P T Asha granted the interim stay on a plea moved by F M Finance and Investments (FMFI), which had entered into an agreement with ME on May 16, 2018 by which the distribution rights of the suit film were assigned to it for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry for five years from the general release.

As per the plea, FMFI had taken up the assignment for a consideration of Rs 5.25 crore of which a sum of Rs 3.50 crore was paid.

The remaining Rs 1.75 crore, as per the agreement, was to be paid only on the general release of the film. But ME with a view to defraud the FMFI is getting the movie released through one Linda Big Pictures on January 31, it was argued.

It was contended that general release of the movie would have been within its control if ME had played fair. Hence, if the film is released totally ignoring its rights, it would cause serious prejudice since it deprives them not only of Rs 3.50 crore but also the distribution rights for which the amount has been paid.

Based on this, Justice Asha on holding that the balance of convenience is therefore with FMFI for the grant of an order of injunction, restrained ME and QCTPL from releasing Naadodigal-2, in the areas of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, on condition that FMFI deposited the balance amount of Rs 1.75 crore to the credit of the civil suit within two weeks. The plea has been posted for reporting compliance on February 14.