Fans of Pan India Superstar Prabhas will next see their hero star in the much anticipated, upcoming horror-comedy, The Raja Saab. However, there are legal troubles for the film prior to release. A Delhi Based Ivy Entertainment has filed a lawsuit against co-producer People Media Factory (PMF) in the Delhi High Court filed, concerning the violation of a contract in connection with The Raja Saab. The litigation raises concerns for fans about the future of the film.
Ivy Entertainment asserts that PMF has failed to meet specific obligations including; a timely completion of the film and subsequently postponement of the release date on several occasions. Furthermore, Ivy states that PMF failed to provide monthly updates on the project’s production, fund usage, and film-related materials. Ivy indicated in the lawsuit all of the foregoing constitutes a breach of their respective agreements.
On January 25, 2023, Ivy signed an agreement for the acquisition of equities rights for the film with PMF. On March 10, 2023, the parties signed an agreement relating to theatrical rights. Ivy contends that it has invested approximately ₹ 218 crore into the project The Raja Saab and is now claiming delays and breaches of contractual obligations by PMF. Ivy is seeking the return of its funds including 18% per annum interest.
Ivy named PMF directors Vishwa Prasad Tumbalam Gooty, as well as Subramanya Vivekananda Kuchibhotla, in its petition. Specialty post-production vendors—including Deccan Dreams Animations LLP, Prasad Xtreme Digital Cinema Network, Qube Cinema Technologies, and UFO Moviez—are also named in the case.
The application is for an injunction to stop all of these parties from dealing with the film. Ivy also seeks an injunction to stop PMF and its directors from asserting any rights or interests in The Raja Saab.
The Raja Saab is a horror-comedy starring Prabhas, in a dual role, alongside a cast of Sanjay Dutt, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan (who makes her Telugu film debut) and Riddhi Kumar – all of whom play significant roles. The filmmakers started production in 2022 with a reported budget of ₹400 crore and plan to release the film on December 5.
The legal proceedings create uncertainty around The Raja Saab’s scheduled release. Fans are disappointed but nevertheless hopeful for a resolution. However, the court’s ruling may not only have an impact on the film’s release but also upon the enormous budget for the film as well. Either way, this issue highlights the challenges of big budget film production.