Sudha Kongara moves Madras HC to block 'Idhayam Murali' release over ₹8.39 cr dues
Synopsis
With just ten days to its release, 'Idhayam Murali' faces a court-ordered cloud after filmmaker Sudha Kongara moved the Madras High Court alleging ₹8.39 crore in unpaid dues from producer Aakash Baskaran's Dawn Pictures. The next hearing on 8 July — two days before the film's scheduled debut — could decide whether it reaches theatres at all.
Key Takeaways
Sudha Kongara has petitioned the Madras High Court for an interim injunction against the release of 'Idhayam Murali' , starring Atharvaa .
She alleges Dawn Pictures Private Limited , headed by producer Aakash Baskaran , owes her ₹8.39 crore in unpaid contractual dues.
The film is scheduled for theatrical release on 10 July ; the next court hearing is on 8 July .
Kongara's original director's agreement was with 2D Entertainment (actor Suriya's production house) in 2021 ; Dawn Pictures took over the project in 2024 .
Dawn Pictures previously produced actor Sivakarthikeyan 's film 'Parasakthi' .
Acclaimed filmmaker Sudha Kongara has approached the Madras High Court seeking an interim injunction to halt the theatrical release of actor Atharvaa-starrer 'Idhayam Murali', scheduled for 10 July, alleging that producer Aakash Baskaran's Dawn Pictures Private Limited has failed to clear contractual dues of ₹8.39 crore. The petition was heard on Tuesday, 30 June, by Justice K. Kumaresh Babu at the Madras High Court in Chennai.
What the Petition Alleges
Kongara contends that Dawn Pictures — formerly known as Akra Entertainment Private Limited — has not honoured its financial obligations under a tripartite agreement executed between Kongara, Dawn Pictures, and her celebrity management firm, Undertow Professional Services Private Limited. The petition argues that the producer should not be permitted to commercially exploit another film while its contractual dues remain unpaid.
The plea is supported by an affidavit filed by Kongara Nagarjuna Siva Prasad, Kongara's husband and a director of Undertow Professional Services, which describes her as an internationally acclaimed filmmaker and screenplay writer.
Background: From 2D Entertainment to Dawn Pictures
According to the petition, Kongara had originally signed a director's agreement on 30 June 2021 with actor Suriya's production house, 2D Entertainment Private Limited, to helm a film titled 'Purananooru'. That agreement was later terminated by mutual consent, though the screenplay rights remained with 2D Entertainment.
Dawn Pictures subsequently acquired rights to the project and entered into a fresh director's agreement with Kongara on 2 July 2024. The tripartite arrangement that followed set out specific financial and contractual obligations — which Kongara alleges have not been met.
Dawn Pictures is headed by Aakash Baskaran, who also produced actor Sivakarthikeyan's film 'Parasakthi'.
Court Proceedings and Next Hearing
Advocates Nithyaesh Natraj and Vaibhav R. Venkatesh appeared for Kongara and Undertow Professional Services, while senior counsel P.H. Arvindh Pandian represented Dawn Pictures. The court granted the production house time until 8 July to file its written submissions.
The matter is next listed for hearing on 8 July — just two days before the film's scheduled theatrical release — making the timeline particularly tight for both parties.
What Happens Next
If the court does not grant a stay before 10 July, 'Idhayam Murali' could proceed to release as planned. Should Dawn Pictures fail to file a satisfactory response by 8 July, Kongara's counsel may press for an urgent interim order. The case puts a spotlight on contractual disputes in Tamil cinema, where payment disagreements between directors and producers have increasingly found their way into court ahead of high-profile releases.
Point of View
Whose directorial profile commands significant market value, the ₹8.39 crore claim is not merely a financial dispute but a statement about the enforceability of creative contracts. The tight timeline — a hearing on 8 July for a 10 July release — also raises questions about whether courts are the right first forum for such disputes, or whether Tamil cinema needs a dedicated fast-track arbitration mechanism.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Sudha Kongara moved the Madras High Court against 'Idhayam Murali'?
Sudha Kongara has filed a petition alleging that producer Aakash Baskaran's Dawn Pictures Private Limited failed to pay her contractual dues of ₹8.39 crore. She is seeking an interim injunction to prevent the film's release on 10 July until the dues are settled.
What is 'Idhayam Murali' and when is it releasing?
'Idhayam Murali' is a Tamil film starring actor Atharvaa, produced by Dawn Pictures Private Limited. It is scheduled for theatrical release on 10 July, though the release could be stayed pending the Madras High Court's order.
What is the history of Sudha Kongara's involvement with this project?
Kongara originally signed a director's agreement with Suriya's 2D Entertainment on 30 June 2021 for a film titled 'Purananooru'. That deal was terminated by mutual consent, after which Dawn Pictures acquired the project and signed a fresh agreement with Kongara on 2 July 2024.
When is the next court hearing in this case?
The Madras High Court has posted the matter for further hearing on 8 July, after granting Dawn Pictures time to file its written submissions. This is just two days before the film's scheduled release on 10 July.
Who is producer Aakash Baskaran?
Aakash Baskaran heads Dawn Pictures Private Limited, formerly known as Akra Entertainment Private Limited. He also produced actor Sivakarthikeyan's film 'Parasakthi'.
