Puri Jagannadh’s Film Faces Uncertainty Amid Financial Dispute ?
The director has pending dues of around ₹5 crore linked to earlier arbitration proceedings with Telangana distributors.
Filmmaker Puri Jagannadh’s upcoming project with Vijay Sethupathi, Slumdog: 33 Temple Road, has reportedly hit a roadblock, with financial issues now being cited as a key concern.
According to sources from the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, the director has pending dues of around ₹5 crore linked to earlier arbitration proceedings with Telangana distributors. Sources claim that until these dues are cleared, the release of his upcoming projects could face hurdles.
The situation comes after consecutive setbacks like Liger and Double iSmart, after which Puri Jagannadh maintained a low profile. While the announcement of Slumdog: 33 Temple Road with Vijay Sethupathi initially generated buzz, the lack of updates—no posters, release date, or promotional material—has raised doubts about the film’s progress.
However, industry insiders suggest a contrasting narrative. Reports indicate that the film is complete, with shooting and post-production wrapped up. Songs are said to be finalized, and a final copy is ready. The delay in promotions is reportedly strategic, with the team waiting for the Tamil Nadu elections to conclude to ensure better visibility and avoid box office disruptions.
Adding another layer to the issue, a trade body member has dismissed the situation as an old dispute. According to them, Puri Jagannadh is not legally obligated to repay the amount, as the films were sold to distributors on a non-refundable basis. The director had allegedly committed to repayment on moral grounds, which limits the chamber’s ability to enforce restrictions.
It is further stated that a distributor in Karnataka has taken the legal route in the past, and Puri Jagannadh prefers to resolve the matter in court rather than through arbitration through trade bodies. "If the issue moves fully into the legal domain, the chamber’s role could become minimal,' he adds.
For now, Slumdog: 33 Temple Road remains in a state of uncertainty—caught between financial disputes, strategic delays, and industry speculation.
