Madras HC Disposes Pleas Over 'Agni Siragugal' After Maker Undertakes Not To Release Film Until Dues Cleared

The Madras High Court has disposed of three applications seeking to restrain the release and commercial exploitation of Tamil film Agni Siragugal after Amma Creations undertook not to release, distribute or otherwise commercially exploit the film without clearing the claimed dues.

Justice K. Kumaresh Babu recorded the undertaking and directed that it be strictly abided by until the disposal of the arbitral proceedings. The order was passed on September 15.

The applications were filed by Shanti Telefilms against Amma Creations under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. This provision allows a party involved in an arbitration dispute to seek interim protection from a court.

Shanti Telefilms was represented by its partner Kamal Bohra. The film stars Vijay Antony, Arun Vijay, and Akshara Haasan and is directed by Naveen.

Shanti Telefilms sought interim protection in relation to its claimed dues. At the same time, the court noted that a Section 11 application had been moved and was awaiting orders.

In one application, Shanti Telefilms sought an injunction preventing Amma Creations from releasing, exploiting, screening, distributing or exhibiting Agni Siragugal without first securing or paying the admitted dues. The prayer covered theatrical release as well as OTT platforms.

A second application sought a true and faithful account of all revenues, monies and consideration received or receivable from the film's exploitation, release, screening, distribution or exhibition. It also sought a direction to deposit the entire proceeds with the court.

The third application sought security for Shanti Telefilms' claim of Rs. 2 crore, along with interest at 36% per annum from the date of disbursement until payment. The security was sought to remain in place during the arbitral proceedings and until enforcement of any award that might be passed.

During the hearing, Amma Creations admitted its liability as claimed by Shanti Telefilms. It had filed an affidavit dated June 30, 2026, undertaking not to “release, distribute, exploit, exhibit, or otherwise commercially exploit” Agni Siragugal without clearing Shanti Telefilms' dues, including any third-party interest in the film.

The court took the affidavit on record. It also noted that a Section 11 application had been moved before it and was awaiting orders.

Section 11 deals with the appointment of an arbitrator. In this case, the order only records that such an application was pending and awaiting orders; it does not record that an arbitrator had already been appointed.

Justice Babu then ruled:

“In view of the statement that had been made by the respondent by way of an affidavit, recording the affidavit, all these applications stand disposed of and it is made clear that the said undertaking shall be strictly abided by the respondent till the disposal of the arbitral proceedings.”

The three applications were accordingly disposed of with no order as to costs.

The order does not separately grant the injunction sought against the film's release. Nor does it direct Amma Creations to account for or deposit the film's revenues or furnish security for the Rs. 2 crore claim.