Questions Over Two DV4 Projects Put Dhruv Vikram in the Spotlight

Dhruv Vikram has found himself at the centre of an industry dispute after the producers of an earlier project bearing the working title DV4 lodged a complaint alleging that the actor did not honour an earlier commitment. The matter is now before the South Indian Film Chamber, where a meeting between the concerned parties has been scheduled for July 30.

The controversy has also revived questions surrounding the project's launch in August 2025. At the time, this newspaper had reported that a traditional puja and mahurat ceremony for DV4 had taken place at actor Vikram's Chennai residence. However, the actor's public relations team had denied that such an event had occurred.

According to a reliable source familiar with the developments, the original DV4 was launched by Neeladri Productions in association with Pen Studios, with director Ramesh Verma at the helm. The source claimed that the project was formally initiated with a puja ceremony and a mahurat shot before work moved into an extensive pre-production phase.

"The project had been launched in the traditional manner and preparations had begun in full swing. The producers believed they had a committed film in place and were waiting only for shooting dates," the source said.

According to the same source, the production repeatedly received assurances from the actor's management that filming would commence shortly. "They were repeatedly told that dates would be given soon. The explanation conveyed to them was that Dhruv was dealing with back pain and therefore could not immediately begin an action-oriented schedule," the source alleged.

The dispute escalated, according to the source, when another project carrying the same working title, DV4, was announced with Maitri Movie Makers and debut director Karan. "The producers felt they had been sidelined despite having already invested heavily in the original project. That is what prompted them to seek intervention from the Film Chamber," the source said.

The complaint, according to the source, was submitted by producer Murali Krishna of Neeladri Productions before being referred to the relevant industry bodies. "Their position is that since the first project had already completed its launch formalities and preparations, that film should have been completed before another project with the same working title was taken up," the source explained.

The producers also claim that significant groundwork had already been completed before the project stalled.

"Several songs had been recorded and Dhruv himself had attended the recording sessions. Large sets had been erected, technicians and artistes had been signed and paid, and nearly ₹20 crore had already been invested. The intended production budget was between ₹50 crore and ₹55 crore, although principal photography had not yet begun," the source said.

The source further alleged that Dhruv Vikram had received an advance of approximately ₹1 crore towards the project and that the amount remains under dispute as discussions continue before the industry bodies.

Questions have also been raised regarding communication between the producers and the actor's management. According to the source, the producers were dissatisfied with the repeated assurances they received from Dhruv Vikram's then manager, Surya Narayan.

"They kept being told that shooting would begin soon. Later, Dhruv appointed a new manager, Prashant Choudhary, but by then the producers had already lost considerable time waiting for the project to move ahead," the source claimed.

The prolonged uncertainty is also said to have affected director Ramesh Verma.

"He had waited for over a year believing the project would eventually begin. The delays naturally took an emotional toll on him," the source said. This claim has not been independently verified.

According to the source, Dhruv Vikram had cited back pain and his inability to perform action sequences as the reason for postponing the original project.

"However, the producers question that explanation because he has since agreed to another action-oriented film. That is their interpretation of the sequence of events," the source added.

The dispute remains unresolved, with both sides expected to participate in discussions before the South Indian Film Chamber.

Providing an update on the proceedings, Achanta Gopinath of the Producers Council confirmed that the matter is still pending.

"No, the issue has not been resolved. There is a meeting scheduled on July 30 where the producer and the actor are expected to meet. We hope the matter can be settled there," he said.

Gopinath clarified that the discussions concern only the original DV4 project.

"The meeting is regarding the first DV4 being produced by Neeladri Productions. It is not about Maitri Movie Makers. The discussion will involve the original producer and the hero," he said.

Responding to reports that actor Vikram had personally intervened, Gopinath said, "Vikram has always been known as someone who supports producers. From what I understand, he believes this situation is unfortunate and has advised his son to complete the pending film before taking up any new commitments. But ultimately, what Dhruv decides will become clear only after the meeting."

He added that if no settlement is reached, the Film Chamber would take an appropriate decision.

"The producers have waited patiently for almost a year. If an agreement cannot be reached, the Chamber will take a call," he said.

Gopinath also confirmed that the producer had already invested substantial sums in the project.

"Approximately ₹20 crore has reportedly been spent. A train set had been constructed in Mumbai, song recordings had been completed and extensive pre-production work had already been carried out before the project came to a halt," he said.

He explained that the delay initially arose because the actor sought additional time before the shoot.

"The producer agreed in good faith. The puja had already taken place and preparations were well underway," he said.

Addressing another point of contention, Gopinath referred to the still photographs taken during the launch.

"According to the producer and director, the photographer had been paid in full but maintained that the pictures could only be released after receiving approval from Dhruv Vikram or his management. Despite repeated requests over many months, those photographs were reportedly never handed over," he said.

As of now, Dhruv Vikram and his representatives have not issued any public response to the allegations made by the producers or the Producers Council. The meeting scheduled for July 30 is expected to determine whether the long-pending dispute can be resolved amicably or whether the industry body will have to take a formal decision on the future of the original DV4 project.