'Boss' Release Postponed to THIS Date After Darshan's Plea Alleging Similarities to the Renukaswamy Murder Case
The release of the Kannada film 'Boss' has been stalled until June 30, 2026, following a High Court hearing where producer Siri Productions gave an undertaking. Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his wife allege the film, starring Thanush Shivanna and directed by Lava, mirrors the ongoing Renukaswamy murder case, where Darshan is an accused.
Bengaluru: The release of the Kannada film Boss has hit another roadblock, with its producers agreeing to defer its theatrical debut until June 30, 2026. This decision emerged from a hearing at the Karnataka High Court on Thursday, June 25, 2026, amidst an appeal filed by prominent actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his wife, Vijayalakshmi Darshan, who contend the film's narrative too closely mirrors the sensational Renukaswamy murder case. Darshan's Wife Vijayalakshmi Dispels Viral Rumours About Son Vinish's Road Accident, Issues Official Clarification.
The film, directed by Lava and starring Thanush Shivanna, was initially slated for an April 14, 2026, release, then reportedly postponed to June 19, 2026, before being caught in the current legal entanglement. Darshan and his wife allege that the movie’s teaser, visuals, and storyline draw inspiration from the real-life murder case, potentially prejudicing the ongoing trial and damaging Darshan's reputation.
‘Boss’ Release Delayed to June 30
During Thursday's proceedings, Senior Counsel Vivek Subba Reddy, representing Siri Productions, the producer of Boss, provided an oral undertaking to the court. “We undertake not to release the movie until next Tuesday,” Reddy submitted to Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur. The High Court accepted this assurance and has adjourned the matter for further hearing on June 30, 2026. This provides a temporary reprieve for Darshan and his legal team, who have been actively seeking to prevent the film's release.
The Renukaswamy Murder Case: A Brief Overview
Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa is a primary accused in the Renukaswamy murder case, a high-profile investigation that has gripped the state. The case revolves around the alleged abduction and murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy from Chitradurga in June 2024. According to police, Renukaswamy was allegedly killed after sending obscene messages to Darshan's associate, actress Pavithra Gowda. Darshan and 16 other individuals face serious charges, including criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, abduction, and murder under the Indian Penal Code. Darshan has been in judicial custody since August 2025, after the Supreme Court cancelled the bail previously granted to him by the High Court in December 2024. He recently approached the Supreme Court again, seeking permission to file a fresh bail plea due to the slow pace of the trial.
Legal Battles and Allegations
The controversy surrounding 'Boss' first surfaced earlier this year when Darshan's legal team issued a notice to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), urging them to withhold certification for the film. A Bengaluru trial court had initially granted an ad-interim injunction against the film's release on March 27, 2026, based on Darshan's plea. However, this injunction was later dismissed on May 2, 2026, clearing the path for the film.
Darshan and his wife then challenged this vacation order in the High Court, arguing that the trial court's decision suffered from "manifest legal infirmities" and that the film's resemblance to the ongoing case could severely prejudice his right to a fair trial and privacy. The High Court has also recently directed the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology to act on complaints regarding a "media trial" against the actor. Darshan Thoogudeepa’s Wife Vijayalaxmi Accuses Bengaluru Police of Failing To Take Action Over Abusive Comments Made Against Her on Social Media.
Despite the allegations, Director Lava and the Boss team have consistently denied that the film is based on any specific case, including the Renukaswamy incident. They maintain that the movie is a fictional narrative inspired by broader real-life events that occurred between 2024 and 2025.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2026 05:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
