Film director Sudha Kongara is taking legal steps to block release of Idhayam Murali, set for July 10,2026 . She says director and producer Aakash Baskaran owes her ₹8.39 crore for her work on Parasakthi.
On June 30, 2026, at Madras High Court, Justice K. Kumaresh Babu heard initial arguments from Kongara's lawyers, Nithyaesh Natraj and Vaibhav R. Venkatesh. Senior counsel P.H. Arvindh Pandian,speaking for Baskaran’s company,Dawn Pictures Private Limited, also presented arguments. Court set deadline — July 8 — for written responses.
Kongara's husband, Kongara Nagarjuna Siva Prasad,also director of her management firm Undertow Professional Services Private Limited, stressed her reputation as a director with numerous acclaimed films. He outlined the contracts behind current dispute.
Originally, June 30,2021, Kongara signed with 2D Entertainment Private Limited for Purananooru. That deal ended, but script rights stayed with 2D. Then, July 2,2024,Dawn Pictures bought rights, signing new deal with Kongara, handled by Undertow.
Contract promised ₹15 crore, paid in parts. First ₹3 crore due at signing,rest with production milestones. Siva Prasad said Kongara met deadlines, started filming August 2024,finished main shooting by January 2025. Film hit screens January 9,2026, as planned.
Despite this,Dawn Pictures allegedly missed payments,defaulted on others . Contract also gave Kongara 15% of profits from film's release. With few assets at production company,Siva Prasad insists stopping Idhayam Murali is only way to get owed money.
Court told Dawn Pictures' share capital is just ₹3.10 crore,far below Kongara's claim. This financial crunch leaves her few options to secure payment,prompting legal action against new film.
Case's outcome could impact Kongara and Dawn Pictures' future. Will court halt Idhayam Murali's release? Industry insiders and fans are watching…
