The producers of Vijay Sethupathi-starrer Puriyatha Puthir have arrived at an out-of-court settlement with the workers’ association that had got the film’s release stayed over non-payment of dues to crew members.
The settlement came a day after a civil court stayed the release of the film, based on a petition alleging that its producers owed Rs 22.13 lakh to crew members who had worked on the movie.
"The producers managed to arrive at an out of court settlement with the workers. The film screening will now begin at 3pm again," said Nikilesh Surya, the owner of Rohini Silver screens.
The Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI), who is the petitioner in the case, had sought a stay on the release of the film produced by the JSK Film Corporation. FEFSI contended that the company had to pay Rs 22,13,051 to its members who had worked in the film.
According to reports, a prima facie case was made out. The balance of convenience was in favour of the petitioners, the city civil court said, ordering an interim stay till September 14.
Following the stay, shows were cancelled in theatres across the state leaving movie-goers disgruntled.
At the AGS cinema theatre in T Nagar, audience members who had arrived for the 12pm show were first asked to wait till 12.30pm, and then later informed that the screening was cancelled. "The problem may be solved within a couple of hours as well. We are not sure when the next show will be," said a member of the management.
Audience members, meanwhile, were given a choice between getting a refund or opting to watch another movie. "We came from Guindy to watch the film. They could have at least informed us that they won't be screening it," said Karthik, a college student. "After we get here they tell us that reel has not even arrived," he complained.