Akhanda 2: How film releases can be hostage to legal tangles

In India's film industry, where timing drives both buzz and box-office, a single last-minute court order can upend an entire release cycle—an industry-wide risk underscored by the recent case of Akhanda 2.

- Lata Jha

Akhanda 2's release was delayed following the Madras High Court's stay on its screening on an appeal by Eros International.

The last-minute postponement of Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna's action adventure film earlier this month, after a Madras High Court order put a stay on its screening following an appeal filed by Eros International Media Ltd, proves that theatrical films continue to fall prey to delays arising from prolonged legal disputes.

While Akhanda 2 did manage to arrive in cinemas a week later, among other instances, the Delhi High Court and Madras High Court had earlier restrained release of the Tamil films Veera Dheera Sooran and Vaa Vaathiyar, respectively, over similar issues.