It looks like Vikram's long-delayed actioner Dhruva Natchathiram, directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon will finally be out of the cans soon as the Madras High Court is set to pronounce orders on it on April 24.
It is to be noted that the production of Dhruva Natchathiram began in 2017. However, the film was met with multiple hurdles including financial and legal issues, along with the COVID-19 pandemic. It languished in production hell for years before wrapping filming in 2023.
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy heard submissions from senior counsel Srinath Sridevan, appearing for investors K Punniamoorthy and K Premkumar—who had moved the court in 2023 seeking to halt the film’s release until their dues were cleared and had secured an interim injunction—and from senior counsel A Abdul Hameed, assisted by Revathi Manivannan, representing Menon.
In September 2023, the producers revealed that the film would hit screens on November 24, 2023. However, just a day before the scheduled release, it was put on hold indefinitely owing to pending financial complications. At the time, the filmmaker wrote, "When we announced the release date as November 24, we tried moving mountains to make it happen. We would be lying if we said we're not disappointed with not being able to meet the date. This note is to assure the audience that we've not given up on the film. We are doing everything within our power and beyond to cross these hurdles and get Dhruva Natchathiram out in theatres for you."
Later, in January 2024, the team indicated a possible February 2024 release, but the plan did not materialise.
In the meantime, another delayed film of Gautham Vasudev Menon, Joshua: Imai Pol Kaakha was released in March 2024. The film is a part of Dhruva Natchathiram universe.
In a recent interview, Gautham Vasudev Menon had said that the issues related to the action film "are almost solved".
Apart from Vikram, Dhruva Natchathiram also stars Vinayakan, Ritu Varma, Parthiban, Simran and Radikaa Sarathkumar, among others. With cinematography by Manoj Paramahamsa, Jomon T John, Santhana Krishnan, and Ravichandran, Dhruva Natchathiram has editing by Praveen Antony. The film is backed by Ondraga Entertainment in association with Oruoorileoru Film House.