'RDX’ makers demand compensation from director Nahas Hidayath for breach of contract

Malayalam film ‘RDX’ is once again in the spotlight as its producers have sought compensation from director Nahas Hidayath, alleging a breach of contract.

According to Manorama News, the dispute centers around a contract stipulating that Nahas Hidayath, who directed the successful film, was to helm a second film for the same production company. The agreement included a payment of 15 lakh rupees to Nahas for directing ‘RDX,’ with an additional clause requiring him to direct a subsequent film for the producers, for which he had already received an advance.

The contract specified that Nahas would be paid 15 lakh rupees for ‘RDX,’ with a further 40 lakh rupees advanced for the second film after the release of ‘RDX,’ and 4 lakh eighty-two thousand rupees allocated for pre-production work.

However, Nahas later announced his withdrawal from the second film, despite multiple requests from the producers to continue. As a result, the producers have taken legal action, demanding compensation of 50 lakh rupees in addition to the return of the advance amount, totaling over one crore rupees including 18% interest. The Ernakulam Sub Court has issued a summons for Nahas to appear on August 6, although Nahas has claimed he has not received the summons.

This legal battle unfolds against a backdrop of recent accusations against the ‘RDX’ producers for financial mismanagement. Anjana Abraham, a resident of Tripunithura, has accused producers Sophia Paul and James Paul of failing to distribute the promised profit margins to stakeholders. Anjana Abraham had invested 6 crore rupees in the production, expecting a full return along with 30% of the total profit. Despite the film's commercial success, she alleges that she only received her initial investment and was kept in the dark about revenue from the film’s satellite rights.