The Madras High Court refused to stay the release of Akhanda 2, rejecting Eros International’s plea to block the film amid a Rs 27.7 crore arbitral award dispute with 14 Reels Entertainment and its new entity, 14 Reels Plus LLP.
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CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Thursday refused to stay the release of the highly anticipated Telugu film Akhanda 2, the sequel to the 2021 blockbuster Akhanda, despite a petition filed by Eros International Media Limited.
The case centered on a ₹27.7 crore arbitral award that Eros claimed remained unpaid.
What Eros International Seeks
Eros approached the Madras High Court seeking an interim injunction to restrain 14 Reels Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and its promoters from releasing or commercially exploiting Akhanda 2. The company alleged that the producers had set up a new entity, 14 Reels Plus LLP, to evade enforcement of the arbitral award.
According to Eros, 14 Reels Plus LLP, incorporated in October 2017 during the arbitration proceedings, was a “mere continuation and alter ego” of 14 Reels Entertainment. Both entities, it said, were controlled by the same promoters, Anil Sunkara, Gopi Chand Achanta, and Rama Brahmam Achanta and operated under the same 14 Reels banner.
Eros claimed that 14 Reels Entertainment had deliberately transferred its business operations to the LLP to escape financial liability. The affidavit submitted to the court stated that films initially produced by 14 Reels Entertainment were now listed under 14 Reels Plus LLP’s website and social media pages.
The company further alleged that both entities used nearly identical logos and branding, and that Akhanda 2 was being promoted by the same producers who controlled the award debtor company. Eros urged the court to lift the corporate veil, treat both entities as a single business unit, and restrain the release and monetisation of Akhanda 2 until the award amount was secured.
Akhanda’s Success and Eros’ Concerns
The original film, Akhanda (2021), starring Nandamuri Balakrishna and directed by Boyapati Srinu, was a massive commercial success, reportedly grossing over ₹130 crore worldwide. Eros argued that permitting Akhanda 2 to be released through the new LLP would frustrate enforcement of the arbitral award, allowing the promoters to profit while ignoring the debt owed.
In its plea, Eros also sought directions for any revenue generated from Akhanda 2, including theatrical, digital, satellite, and streaming rights, to be deposited with the court until payment of the ₹27.7 crore award.
Court Declines to Grant Interim Injunction
After hearing arguments, Justice Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court declined to issue an interim injunction against the film’s release or monetisation. This means Akhanda 2 can proceed with its scheduled release without restrictions, although the broader dispute over the arbitral award remains pending.
The ruling represents a significant win for 14 Reels Entertainment and its promoters, clearing the path for one of Telugu cinema’s most-awaited sequels.
About Akhanda 2
Akhanda 2 is the sequel to the 2021 film Akhanda, which became one of the biggest hits in Telugu cinema. The sequel reportedly continues the story of Balakrishna’s dual role, promising even more high-octane action and spiritual drama. The film is directed by Boyapati Srinu and produced under the 14 Reels Plus LLP banner.
Appearance:
Eros International: Advocates Vaibhav R Venkatesh, Anirudh A Sriram, Akash Srinanda V, Thrivikrama Das K and Ajith Kidambi
14 Reels: Senior Advocate MS Krishnan with advocates Keerthikiran Murali and Ashwin Shanbhag
