Investor finalized to release Dhruva Natchathiram before October 31: Gautham Vasudev Menon told Madras High Court

Gautham Vasudev Menon. File | Photo credit: B. Velankanni Raj

Film director, producer and actor Gautham Vasudev Menon has informed the Madras High Court that he has identified an investor to bring the much-awaited Vikram Dhruva Natchathiram starrer ‘Chiyan’ to maximum number of screens by October 31, 2026.

Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy noted the submission of the film’s production company Kondaduvom Entertainment, represented by its director Mr. Menon, in its request for extension of time and gave it time till October 31 to release the film.

In April 2026, a judge cleared the release packages for the film, mired in a financial dispute, and gave Mr. Menon until June 15, 2026 to release the film after identifying an investor so that all creditors could be paid.

Since then, Mr. Menon has been regularly visiting the court seeking an extension of time. In his latest application, he listed several other big-budget films and said that the release of Dhruva Natchathiram had to be delayed to ensure sufficient number of theaters, distributors and exhibitors.

He also told the court that his production firm had finalized an investor to facilitate the release of the film subject to the approval of court-appointed observers/supervisors. On their part, observers/invigilators MV Swaroop and HV Hredai also filed a report in court seeking some clarification.

Payment to Vikram

Mr. Hredai wanted to know from the court whether the supervisors could allow a debit of ₹10.57 crore, which was allegedly to be paid to Mr. Vikram. After going through the records, the judge found that the receipt of the amount allegedly paid to the actor was not available in court.

He, therefore, directed Mr. Menon to submit to the observers/invigilators the documents proving the payment of ₹ 10.57 crore, besides disclosing the mode of such payment. After verifying these documents, the observers/invigilators should take the appropriate decision, the judge ordered.

“After considering the reasons given for the request for extension of time and ascertaining that sufficient cause is shown, the time limit for the release of the film is extended to October 31, 2026. This request will be disposed of subject to the observations made herein regarding payments to the actors,” Justice Ramamoorthy added.

Published – 17 Sep 2026 11:55 IST