CHENNAI: The Madras High Court issued an interim stay on the release of the film Pisasu 2 starring Andrea Jeremiah and directed by Mysskin, as Rockfort Entertainment, the production firm, failed to comply with the arbitration proceedings by not paying the amount for the film distribution.

Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan passed the interim injunction against Rockfort Entertainment as it failed to pay Rs1.17 crores to another production house Flying Horse Pictures in a dispute over distributing a film. The court also issued a notice to Rockfort Entertainment.

The petitioner S Hari Baskaran representing Flying Horse Pictures moved a petition claiming that Rockfort Entertainment failed to adhere to the agreement of paying Rs 4.85 crores for distributing the film Irandam Kuththu.

It was contended that the respondent paid only Rs 2.85 crores and failed to pay the remaining amount. However, the respondent released other films under its banner, the petitioner said and sought to prevent the production house from releasing any films without paying them the balance amount.

The court appointed a sole arbitrator to settle the dispute. After hearing both the parties, the sole arbitrator fixed Rs 1.17 crore with an interest of 18 per cent as payable by the respondent to the petitioner.

Claiming that the respondent production house is all set to release Pisasu 2 without paying the fixed amount, the petitioner sought an interim injunction.

After hearing the matter, the judge issued an interim injunction restraining Rockfort Entertainment from releasing the film and issued a notice to respond to the claim.