Actor Kichcha Sudeep appeared in court on Saturday in connection with a criminal defamation case he had filed against producers MN Kumar and MN Suresh three years ago. The dispute arose after Sudeep alleged that the producers, despite receiving ₹9 crore from him, did not cast him in a film they had promised.

The case, filed under IPC Sections 499 and 500, focuses on claims that the producers’ statements damaged Kichcha Sudeep’s reputation. He had taken the matter seriously, citing the potential harm to his social and professional standing.

During the hearing, the producers’ lawyers cross-examined Kichcha Sudeep. The court has adjourned the next session to June 6. The case is currently in the evidence stage. Videos of Sudeep arriving at and leaving the court have gone viral on social media, attracting attention from fans and the public alike.

Earlier, the producers had approached the High Court seeking to quash the defamation case, but their petition was rejected, allowing the trial to continue. The court noted that the complaint and Sudeep’s statement contained specific allegations, which appeared to have harmed the actor’s reputation. The issuance of summons by the court was therefore deemed proper.

The revival of this case after three years has once again brought the legal dispute into the spotlight, highlighting the ongoing tension between Kichcha Sudeep and the producers. With the actor’s strong following and reputation in Kannada cinema, the proceedings are being closely watched by fans and industry observers.