The Kerala High Court has set aside a cheating prosecution lodged against actor Nivin Pauly and filmmaker Abrid Shine, concluding that the parties resolved their dispute over the sequel to the Malayalam hit Action Hero Biju through an out‑of‑court settlement.
The complaint originated from a financial disagreement that surfaced during the production of Action Hero Biju 2. The petitioner, who had entered into a production agreement for the film, claimed that the overseas distribution rights were transferred to a third party without his consent.
According to the petitioner, the alleged unauthorized sale of overseas rights caused a loss of revenue and prompted him to file a criminal case alleging cheating. Both the actor and the director denied any wrongdoing, asserting that all transactions complied with the terms of their agreement.
During the hearing, the court examined the settlement documents submitted by the complainant and the accused. Finding that the parties had reached a mutual resolution, the bench ordered the case to be dismissed, stating that further judicial intervention was unnecessary.
This development closes a legal chapter that had attracted attention from the Malayalam film fraternity, especially given the commercial expectations surrounding the sequel. While the settlement details remain confidential, the court’s decision underscores the preference for private reconciliation in industry disputes.
Legal experts note that the ruling may encourage other stakeholders in the regional cinema sector to resolve conflicts amicably rather than resorting to protracted litigation.
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📰 Source: The Hindu Entertainment