The Madras High Court on Tuesday cleared the release of Rajinikanth's Darbar worldwide, barring in Malaysia in view of a financial dispute raised by a film distributor from that country.

Justice G Jeyachandran passed the interim order on a civil suit filed by Malaysia-based DMY Creations seeking to stall the January 9 release of the Tamil film on grounds that its producer Lyca Productions owed it over Rs 23 crore.

However, the judge said Darbar can be released in Malayasia if the producer furnished a bank guarantee to the tune of Rs 4.9 crore in the name of the Registrar General of the court or deposited the amount into the credit of the suit.

DMY Creations claimed the dues were in respect of the distribution of various Tamil films produced by Lyca including 2.0, Kaala, and Vada Chennai in Malaysia, and that the latter had promised to clear it before the release of Darbar. It was also assured first preference for releasing Darbar in the region.

But when reports that Lyca was negotiating with others about territorial rights in Malaysian region came up, the applicant applied for an interim order restraining Lyca from releasing Darbar before settling the dues.

Counsel for Lyca had contended that the claim of the Malaysian firm was 'false' and 'baseless'.

The judge, who perused agreements entered into between the two parties in respect of an earlier film, Kaala, and other communications, in his order said the exact monetary aspects of the claim from both parties had to be decided during the trial. So, as an interim measure, the right of the Malaysian firm who has prima facie established his interest has to be protected and restrained Lyca from releasing Darbar in Malaysia till the amount is deposited. 

Darbar, also starring Nayanthara and Suniel Shetty among others, is directed by AR Murugadoss.