Cheque de! Neil Nitin Mukesh-Soha Ali Khan’s film stalled

The release of a Neil Nitin Mukesh-Soha Ali Khan film (with Abhay Deol in an item number) has been ‘indefinitely postponed’ with major distributors of the film, apparently backing out at the last moment following a spat among the producers over pending payments. The film was up for release on 31st December.

Criminal and civil cases have been filed (at the Dindoshi Civil Court) against producer Manu Kumaran by UK-based businessman Karan Arora after cheques, allegedly, issued by the producer bounced. According to court documents, Arora was supposed to receive Rs1.25 crore  a month before the release of the film.

On probing further, it was revealed that major distributors apparently backed out of the film saying that they didn’t want to do anything with the project even if the financial issues have been resolved.

Among the many reasons cited by them for backing out is the leakage of the film on the internet. The spokesperson of the film admitted on record that the film has been ‘indefinitely postponed’ due to ‘unfavourable market conditions’.

When contacted, producer Manu Kumaran admitted that there was a problem. “There are some issues regarding payment. I was confident of sorting the matter out and release the film on New Year’s Eve. But I guess we won’t be able to do that as distributors in all major territories are not willing to go with us,” reveals Manu, who is upset by the turn of events.

He also feels that the film’s lead actor Neil did not promote the film as expected. “A lot more was expected from Neil than just giving couple of interviews...the way stars promote their film nowadays! It is as much as my film as it is his. I am sure he will understand that,” he says.