More reservations

The Madras High Court on Monday stayed the worldwide release of the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Aarakshan (Reservation), co-produced by Prakash Jha and Firoz A. Nadiadwala, for non-payment of dues to a financier, the petitioners' lawyer said. The court stayed the movie release in a case filed by Madhu Gupta and GG Photo Ltd for non-payment of Rs37.5 million (Dh3.03 million), which remains unpaid by the movie producer, said K. Ravi. "My clients had lent Rs35 million and with interest the total dues are Rs37.5 million. The cheques issued by the producers bounced, and hence the suit." He said the court had stayed the worldwide release of the movie. "Firoz has received a notice for non-payment of dues, and he will sort it out himself. The prints of my film have already reached theatres, and nothing can stop it from releasing," Jha, who also directed the film, said. The movie based on the caste-based reservation policy in India, scheduled to be released in the UAE Thursday, also stars Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik Babbar.