Tamil Actor Arya, Film Producers Face FIR Over Alleged ₹1.8 Crore Equipment Dues

Hyderabad: Tamil actor Arya (Jamshed C), along with the producers of the film Ananthan Kaadu, his personal assistant and other associates, has been booked by Jubilee Hills Police in Hyderabad in connection with an alleged cheating case involving unpaid cinema equipment rental charges of around ₹1.8 crore.

The complaint was filed by Hyderabad-based film equipment supplier Taher Cine Tekniq, which alleged that payments for cameras, lighting equipment and other production materials provided for the movie were not cleared despite repeated assurances from the production team.

Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and started an investigation into the allegations.

Equipment Supplier Claims Pending Dues After Film Production

According to the complaint submitted by the company’s Accounts Head Syed Javed Ali, actor Arya, production banners Mini Studio and The Show People, along with Arya’s personal assistant Kishor, assured the supplier that all rental payments would be settled within the agreed timeframe.

Based on these assurances, the company provided advanced digital cameras, lighting systems and other technical equipment required for the film’s production.

The supplier stated that an agreement was signed on February 25, 2025, after which the equipment was transported from Hyderabad to Kerala, where the shooting reportedly took place. The total value of rental services, including GST, was estimated at approximately ₹2.12 crore.

However, the company alleged that a significant portion of the payment remained unpaid even after the completion of the film.

Complaint Alleges Unpaid Amount and Delayed Settlement

The complainant claimed that the production team later acknowledged outstanding dues of nearly ₹1.8 crore, excluding GST, and assured that the payment would be cleared before the film’s release.

However, according to the complaint, repeated follow-ups through phone calls, emails, written communications and legal notices did not result in payment. The supplier has alleged that the pending amount remained unresolved despite several attempts to recover the dues.

Legal Proceedings and Additional Allegations Under Review

The FIR also mentions allegations that the accused obtained an interim court order in Ernakulam by allegedly withholding certain details related to the financial dispute. The complainant has claimed that the legal action delayed recovery efforts.

The supplier has further alleged that during discussions regarding the pending payment, some individuals connected with the production made threats. Police officials said these claims will also be examined as part of the investigation.

Police Begin Verification of Documents and Financial Records

Investigators are expected to review production agreements, invoices, payment records, bank transactions, tax documents, emails and other communications exchanged between the parties.

Authorities will examine whether contractual obligations were completed, whether payments were intentionally withheld and whether any further legal violations occurred.

Police officials said statements from individuals associated with the film’s production and financial dealings may be recorded during the investigation. Financial records may also be examined to verify the claims made by both sides.

Actor Arya and the other accused persons have not issued any public statement regarding the allegations so far. Police said the case remains under investigation and further action will depend on the findings of the inquiry.