Simbu's Osthe uncertain as Reliance turns screws

Chennai: Adding impetus to the demands of the Tamil Nadu Film Exhibitors Association, Reliance Entertainment has threatened to terminate the satellite rights agreement with Sun TV Network for the film 'Osthe', if the latter did not pay up the dues it owes theatres or get a no objection certificate from theatres.

This announcement comes following a decision by theatre owners in early November to boycott films produced, distributed or even telecast by the Sun Group, as the group has not returned the caution deposit to the tune of Rs 2.4 crores that it took from theatre owners for films 'Suraa', 'Endhiran', 'Mappillai' and 'Vettaikaaran'. Theatre owners had set a deadline of one week for Sun Group to repay the money, which did not happen.

Meanwhile, producers of Reliance Entertainment, who sold the film satellite rights to Sun TV Network, have issued the group a letter on November 29, asking it to get a no objection certificate from theatre owners within 48 hours to screen the film.

This is because the dues owed by the group have not been paid to theatre owners, though the satellite rights agreement was executed "only on Sun TV’s assurance that Sun TV will resolve the aforesaid outstanding dues payable to various theatres," says a letter issued by Reliance Entertainment to C Sembian Sivakumar, president of the Sun TV Network. If it fails to get the NOC from theatres to screen the film, "we shall be constrained to terminate the said agreement," the letter reads, referring to the satellite rights agreement.

C Sembian was unavailable for comment. Actor Simbu’s Osthe is set to release on December 8.