Legal Heir Challenges 'Kaantha' Movie, Court Summons Actor Dulquer Salmaan

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India:  Actor Dulquer Salmaan is slated to play the lead role in the upcoming movie Kantha (also referred to as Kaantha), a self-produced venture by Rana Daggubati and directed by Selvamani Selvaraj. The film features Bhagyashree Borsey as the lead actress, with Samudrakhani, Rana, and others in supporting roles. It portrays the life of M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, regarded as the first superstar of Tamil cinema.

Thyagaraja Bhagavathar’s grandson, Thyagarajan (64), a retired joint secretary of the Tamil Nadu government, has approached the Chennai City Civil Court, claiming that the film misrepresents his grandfather’s life. He requested legal intervention to halt the release of the film, arguing that the portrayal is inaccurate and misleading.

In his petition, Thyagarajan stated that filmmakers should obtain consent from the legal heirs of public figures before depicting their lives. He also highlighted that audiences could recognize the characters despite changes in names. Contrary to the film’s claims, he insisted that his grandfather did not live in poverty or lead an immoral life; rather, he owned a bungalow and cars and had no bad habits. Thyagarajan urged the court to stop the movie, citing insufficient evidence supporting its depiction.

The court has now issued notices to both Dulquer Salmaan and the producers, requiring them to submit their responses by November 18.