Eclatant Films seeks Rs 29.67 crore from Varma

Eclatant Films Private Limited says it has demanded Rs 29,67,64,000 from filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma under a 2010 agreement, giving him until October 30, 2026, to pay and warning that it may enforce a contractual lien if he does not. The company says the amount includes Rs 11,38,92,000 in interest. Its notice reportedly sets out the payment deadline and describes the money as outstanding under an agreement dated April 10, 2010. The claim and the company’s interpretation of the contract have not been tested in the reports through a response from Varma. Eclatant says an order by the Bombay High Court dated April 17, 2013, confirmed the agreement. Under its account of the terms, Varma must obtain the company’s prior written No-Objection Certificate, or NOC, before undertaking specified film activities or dealing with third parties while the dues remain unpaid. Those activities include production, co-production, direction and writing. The notice also cautions people and businesses considering transactions involving rights to projects covered by the agreement. It identifies producers, distributors, broadcasters and streaming platforms among the industry participants addressed....