Uncertainty Encloses ‘Slumdog: 33 Temple Road’

Filmmaker Puri Jagannadh’s upcoming project with Vijay Sethupathi, Slumdog: 33 Temple Road, has hit a roadblock, say some reports, citing financial issues as a key concern.

According to sources at the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce, the director has dues of around `5 crore linked to arbitration proceedings with Telangana distributors and until the amount is cleared, the release of new projects could face hurdles.

On the other hand, a trade body member has dismissed the situation as “an old dispute.” According to him, Puri Jagannadh is not legally obligated to repay the amount, as the films were sold to distributors on a non-refundable basis. The director is said to have committed to repayment on moral grounds, which limits the Chamber’s ability to enforce restrictions.

Reports say Puri Jagannadh prefers to resolve the matter in Court rather than via arbitration through trade bodies. “If the issue moves fully into the legal domain, the Chamber’s role could become minimal,” the source adds.

The director has been maintaining a low profile following consecutive setbacks like Liger and Double iSmart, while the announcement of Slumdog: 33 Temple Road with Vijay Sethupathi initially generated a buzz, the lack of updates—no posters, release date, or promotional material—raised doubts about the film’s progress. However, industry insiders say the film is complete—both shooting and post-production work are over, songs finalised, and a final copy is ready. The delay in promotions is strategic, claim the insiders, as the team is waiting for the Tamil Nadu elections to be over, to ensure better visibility and avoid box office disruptions.

For now, Slumdog: 33 Temple Road is mired in reports of financial disputes, strategic delays, and industry speculation.