The Bombay High Court on Monday, October 19, ruled that Echelon Productions cannot commercially release or exploit Tu Hai Meri Kiran, starring Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal, unless it deposits Rs. 8.85 crores along with 15% annual interest to secure the investment made by co-producer AND Movie Products LLP, as per a report by Live Law Biz. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on October 23, 2026.

Justice Amit Borkar substantially allowed AND Movie Products LLP’s petition seeking protection of its investment and contractual rights in the film. The Court observed that stopping the film’s release entirely would disregard the money and effort invested in its production. However, it also said that the film should not be commercially exploited without securing the co-producer’s investment.

The dispute stems from a co-production agreement signed on March 27, 2024, under which both parties agreed to contribute Rs. 7.50 crore each, plus GST, towards a film budget of Rs. 15 crores plus GST. AND Movie Products stated that it invested Rs. 8.85 crore between March 2024 and January 2025 but did not receive repayment as agreed.

Under the agreement, Echelon was required to repay the investment within 13 months of signing the contract or three weeks before the film’s first release, whichever came earlier. The Court held that the repayment deadline expired on April 27, 2025, and the later announcement of the film’s release date could not extend it.

The dispute escalated after a cheque for Rs. 7.50 crores issued by Echelon through Vishal Rana was dishonoured in January 2026. AND Movie Products subsequently approached the High Court after the film’s October release was announced.

Echelon argued that repayment depended on the film’s earnings and pointed to AND Movie Products’ participation in Instagram promotions. However, the Court held that promotional activities did not waive the repayment obligation or remove the requirement for the co-producer’s consent before third-party exploitation agreements could be signed.

The Court directed Echelon to deposit Rs. 8.85 crores, with 15% annual interest calculated from the respective investment dates, within three working days. If it fails to comply, the film cannot be commercially exploited.

Echelon must also disclose its existing and proposed exploitation agreements, maintain film revenues in a separate designated account and provide regular accounts. The company has been directed to obtain AND Movie Products’ contractual consent before entering into exploitation agreements and correct or withdraw publicity credits that do not comply with the agreed producer credits.

The Court stated that the deposited amount would be held as security and could not be withdrawn without approval from the court or an arbitral tribunal. It declined to direct Vishal Rana to personally deposit the money at this stage, noting that the question of final liability would be settled through arbitration. The Bench also refused Echelon’s request to put the judgment on hold.

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