Rajinikanth’s ‘Kochadaiiyaan’ producer faces a six-month jail term if unpaid dues aren’t settled by April 20. The Madras High Court issued this stern warning in a cheque bounce case. A significant portion of the Rs 5 crore owed remains outstanding, with strict payment deadlines set for March 20 and April 20.

The Madras High Court has issued a fresh order in a cheque bounce case related to the film ‘Kochadaiiyaan’ starring Rajinikanth. The court warned that if the remaining compensation amount is not paid before April 20, the producer’s representative will have to serve six months of imprisonment. The case involves Murali Manohar, director of Media One Global Entertainment, who had earlier challenged a lower court’s order that sentenced him to jail in the cheque fraud case.

Background of the financial dispute

As per News 18, the issue began when Media One Global Entertainment borrowed Rs 10 crore from Ad Bureau Advertising to support the release of the film. To repay part of the amount, the company issued cheques worth Rs 5 crore to the advertising firm. However, when the cheques were deposited in the bank, payment was stopped after the production company reportedly instructed the bank not to process the amount. As a result, the advertising company did not receive the money. Following this, the firm’s owner Abhirchand Nahar filed a cheque fraud case against Murali Manohar and the company.

Earlier court order and appeal

The trial court in Chennai had earlier sentenced Murali Manohar to six months in prison and directed him to pay Rs 7.70 crore as compensation with interest to the complainant. Against this backdrop decision, Murali Manohar has approached the Madras High Court through a petition. The Madras High Court has suspended the sentence while he is on bail. He was also directed to pay a fine of Rs 2.52 crore in the court within 8 weeks.

Latest High Court order and deadline

During the recent hearing, Manohar asked for an extension to make the remaining payment. Justice Sundar Mohan considered the request and noted that Rs 25 lakh had already been paid. The judge then directed Murali Manohar to pay the remaining Rs 2.27 crore in two installments. According to the order, Rs 1 crore must be paid on or before March 20, and the remaining Rs 1.27 crore must be paid before April 20. The court clearly warned that if the amount is not paid within the given time, Murali Manohar will have to serve the previously ordered six-month prison sentence.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on reported news of court proceedings and legal claims. It does not constitute legal advice or a definitive statement on the outcome of the case. Readers should not rely solely on this information for making legal or commercial decisions.