Filmmaker Sudha Kongara Moves Madras High Court Against ‘Idhayam Murali’ Release Over ‘Parasakthi’ Payment Dispute
Filmmaker Sudha Kongara has moved the Madras High Court against Dawn Pictures, producers of her film 'Parasakthi', for INR 8.39 crore in unpaid dues. The court halted 'Parasakthi' satellite release until July 8 and considers a stay on Dawn Pictures' 'Idhayam Murali', set for July 10.
In a significant development for the Tamil film industry, National Award-winning director Sudha Kongara has initiated legal proceedings against Dawn Pictures, the producers of her political action drama Parasakthi. The director has approached the Madras High Court, claiming a substantial sum of INR 8.39 crore in unpaid dues for her work on the Sivakarthikeyan-starrer. ‘Parasakthi’ Star Sivakarthikeyan Meets Ajith Kumar in Abu Dhabi, Says He Spent an Inspiring Day With Him (See Pics).
Sudha Kongara Moves Madras High Court Claiming Unpaid Dues for Parasakthi
The petition, filed under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, was heard by Justice K Kumaresh Babu on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Kongara's counsel informed the court that as per their agreement, the total remuneration payable to the director, including GST, was INR 17.70 crore. However, Dawn Pictures has allegedly only paid ₹9.31 crore to date, leaving a balance of INR 8.39 crore outstanding.
Parasakthi, a Tamil-language political action drama starring Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan, Atharvaa, and Sreeleela, was theatrically released on January 10, 2026, during the Pongal week. Despite the film reportedly grossing over ₹100 crore, as claimed by the producers, Kongara asserts that her contractual dues remain unsettled. The film, set mainly in 1964, explores the historical 1965 anti-Hindi protests in Tamil Nadu.
Interim Stay on Satellite Release and 'Idhayam Murali' in Trouble
During the hearing, the Madras High Court issued an interim directive, instructing Dawn Pictures not to proceed with any satellite release-related transactions or agreements for Parasakthi until July 8, 2026. This order effectively puts a temporary halt on a crucial post-theatrical revenue stream for the film.
Adding to the pressure on Dawn Pictures, Sudha Kongara has also sought an injunction against the release of the production house's upcoming film, Idhayam Murali. Directed by Aakash Baskaran and starring Atharvaa, Kayadu Lohar, Fahadh Faasil, and Preity Mukhundhan, Idhayam Murali is slated for a theatrical release on July 10, 2026. Kongara's plea argues that the producers should not be permitted to release a new film while her outstanding remuneration for Parasakthi remains unpaid.
Dawn Pictures has been directed to file its counter-affidavit by July 7, and the next hearing for the case is scheduled for July 8. The outcome of this high-profile case is keenly awaited, as it could significantly impact the release schedule of Idhayam Murali and set a precedent for payment disputes within the industry. ‘Parasakthi’ OTT Release Date: When and Where To Watch Sivakarthikeyan’s Tamil Film Online.
The Tamil period political action drama Parasakthi, directed by Sudha Kongara and produced by Aakash Baskaran under the Dawn Pictures banner, made its theatrical debut on January 10, 2026. Made on an estimated budget of INR 142 crore, the film features an ensemble stellar cast including Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan (Jayam Ravi), Atharvaa, and Sreeleela, set to a musical score composed by GV Prakash Kumar. Following its theatrical run, which brought in an estimated box office return of INR 84-100 crore, the film has transitioned to the digital space and is currently available for streaming on the OTT platform Zee5.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 30, 2026 07:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
