Madras High Court Grants Interim Injunction Against Release of "Kumki 2"

Financial Dispute Prompts Court to Halt Film's Distribution Pending Arbitration Outcome

In a significant legal development, the Madras High Court, presided over by Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, has granted an interim injunction against the distribution and release of the Tamil movie "Kumki 2." The decision, delivered on November 12, 2025, comes amidst an ongoing arbitration dispute between financier S. Chandraprakash Jain and the movie's production team, M/s. GOD Pictures.

The legal battle stems from a finance agreement dated July 25, 2018, in which the applicant, Chandraprakash Jain, provided Rs. 1.5 crore to the movie's director and producer, the first respondent, who had previously directed the original "Kumki" in 2012. The agreement stipulated a repayment deadline either six months post-agreement or seven days prior to the movie's release, whichever occurred first. The first respondent also pledged not to release or exploit the film commercially until the loan was repaid. Despite these terms, the first respondent failed to adhere to the repayment schedule, leading to a settlement where the repayment amount was increased to Rs. 2.5 crore, to be settled ten days before the movie's release.

With the first respondent allegedly preparing to release "Kumki 2," Jain approached the Madras High Court under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, seeking interim relief. The court found a prima facie case in favor of Jain, noting the balance of convenience favored the applicant. Justice Venkatesh emphasized that releasing the movie would result in irreparable loss and hardship for Jain, who would struggle to recover the financed amount if the movie were distributed without prior settlement of dues.

Consequently, the court issued an interim injunction restraining the respondents from releasing the movie until December 3, 2025. The respondents have been notified to present their case by the returnable date, with private notice also permitted. The applicant is required to comply with Order XXXIX Rule 3 of the CPC, ensuring procedural adherence.

This ruling underscores the court's role in safeguarding financial interests within the entertainment industry, particularly when contractual obligations are allegedly breached. The case is scheduled for further hearing on December 3, 2025, where the court will reassess the interim measures and continue deliberations on the arbitration outcome.

Bottom Line:

Arbitration - Interim injunction granted under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 - Applicant sought to restrain respondents from distributing and releasing the movie "Kumki 2" pending determination of final arbitration - Court observed balance of convenience in favor of applicant as non-grant of injunction would lead to irreparable loss and hardship to the applicant.

Statutory provision(s): Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 Section 9

S.Chandraprakash Jain v. M/s.GOD Pictures, (Madras) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2807181