The Bombay High Court has directed Echelon Productions to deposit ₹8.85 crore, along with 15% annual interest, before releasing the Hindi film Tu Hai Meri Kiran. Justice Amit Borkar ruled that the film could be released after the deposit, subject to compliance with contractual obligations and the Court’s directions.
Background
AND Movie Products LLP approached the Court under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, seeking interim protection over its investment and rights in the film. Under a co-production agreement dated March 27, 2024, the company claimed to have invested ₹7.5 crore plus GST, totalling ₹8.85 crore.
The dispute arose after the investment allegedly remained unpaid and a cheque for ₹7.5 crore was dishonoured. The petitioner also raised concerns about the film’s commercial exploitation, third-party agreements and agreed production credits. Echelon Productions opposed an unconditional restraint, arguing that the petitioner had participated in promoting the film’s October 23, 2026 release.
Justice Borkar held that the petitioner’s contractual rights extended beyond repayment to joint exploitation, prior consent and agreed credits. The Court found that the repayment deadline under the agreement had expired and that the material supported a strong prima facie case for securing the disputed amount.
The judgment observed,
“The later announcement about the release of the Film cannot extend the time which had expired.”
The Court also clarified that the dishonoured cheque did not finally determine the parties’ liability. On the petitioner’s promotional activities, it observed,
“This conduct cannot be ignored while deciding whether the Petitioner should get an injunction.”
Balancing both sides’ interests, the Court declined to impose an unconditional, permanent restraint on the film’s release.
The Court allowed the petition substantially and directed Echelon Productions to deposit ₹8.85 crore with 15% annual interest, calculated from the respective payment dates, within three working days. Until deposit, the film cannot be commercially exploited. After deposit, release is permitted subject to the Court’s directions, including disclosure of agreements, compliance with consent requirements, proper accounting of revenue and correction of publicity credits within 48 hours.
The interim findings will not determine the final issues in arbitration.
Case Details
Case Title: AND Movie Products LLP v. Echelon Productions & Ors.
Case Number: Commercial Arbitration Petition (L) No. 34544 of 2026
Judge: Justice Amit Borkar
Decision Date: October 19, 2026
