High court's green signal to release of Govinda starer ' Naughty@40'

Bollywood flick Naughty@40, starring Govinda, is all set for April release as the Delhi High Court has given its green signal after the producer deposited a demand draft of Rs one crore as part payment of the loan taken from a co-producer.

The release of the film had got delayed when Sandeep Kapoor, a co-producer of the movie, fell out with producer Anuj Sharma and approached the court seeking recovery of Rs1.32 crore, a loan allegedly advanced to Sharma.

"The defendant Anuj Sharma (producer) is allowed to release his film on April 15," Justice V K Jain said after being informed that a demand draft of Rs one crore has been deposited.

Justice Jain, however, asked the producer to file an affidavit undertaking that he would not create "any third party" interest while releasing and distributing the film.

The court rejected the plea of Sandeep Kapoor that the draft of Rs one crore, deposited by the producer with the registry of the High Court, be released in his favour.

"The question of release of money to the petitioner (Kapoor) would be decided after the entire amount (Rs1.32 crore) is deposited with the court," justice Jain said adding "the court would ensure that you (petitioner) get your dues."

The film, touted as the re-launch film of Govinda, has been directed by Jagmohan Mundhra and also stars Yuvika Chaudhry and Sayali Bhagat in lead roles.

The movies, which was due for release in March, could not be released after the High Court had asked the producer to pay the dues to Kapoor.

"I will not be able to repay the money if I am not allowed to release the film", the counsel for Sharma said, adding that moreover, the money was not the part of any loan
and in fact, it was an investment.

"It hardly makes any difference," the court said and posted the matter for further hearing on April 6.