Dulquer Salmaan’s highly anticipated film Kaantha has encountered a major setback just days before its theatrical release. The bilingual crime drama, directed by Selvamani Selvaraj and featuring a stellar cast including Rana Daggubati, Samuthirakani, and Bhagyashri Borse, was slated for release this Friday. Produced by Wayfarer Films and Spirit Media, Kaantha had been one of the most talked-about films of the season. However, a new legal controversy has cast uncertainty over its smooth release, drawing significant attention from both fans and the film industry.

The issue began when B. Thiagarajan, grandson of legendary Tamil actor and singer M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, filed a petition in the Chennai Civil Court. In his statement, Thiagarajan alleged that Kaantha was inspired by his grandfather’s life and portrayed him inaccurately as a man of questionable morals who ended his life in poverty. He strongly refuted these claims, insisting that Bhagavathar lived an honorable and financially stable life. The petition demands that the release of Kaantha be halted in theatres and on OTT platforms until the matter is resolved. This move has sparked widespread debate about creative freedom versus biographical sensitivity in cinema.

Responding to the controversy, Dulquer Salmaan addressed the media during a promotional event, clarifying that Kaantha is a work of fiction and not a biopic. He emphasized that while the story draws loose inspiration from real-life struggles faced by artists, it mainly explores conflicts within the film industry that spiral into crime and tragedy. Despite his assurance, the Chennai Civil Court has issued notices to Dulquer and the production companies, asking for an official response by November 18. As of now, the fate of Kaantha’s November 14 release hangs in the balance, with fans eagerly waiting to see whether the film will overcome this legal challenge or face an unexpected delay.