Court orders interim stay on release of 'I'

The Madras High Court Thursday issued a three-week interim stay on the release of Vikram-starring Tamil film "I" worldwide, following an application filed by Picturehouse Media Ltd over unpaid dues by the film's producer Aascar Ravichandran.

The court has given the makers of "I", which is originally slated for release Jan 14, time till Jan 30 to settle dues.

"Everybody associated with the film are hereby restrained by an order of interim injunction till Jan 30 from releasing the movie ('I') in theatres anywhere in and outside India. The applicant is directed to initiate arbitration proceedings," said Justice R. Mahadevan.

The film's producer Ravichandran however expressed confidence that there will be no change in the film's release date.

"Everything will be sorted out very soon and the film will release as planned earlier," he said in a statement.

Directed by Shankar, "I" also features Amy Jackson, Upen Patel and Suresh Gopi in the lead.