MUMBAI: Not long ago 'Queen' actress Kangana Ranaut, sent a legal notice to T-Series, the makers of ‘I Love NYC’, to stop the release of the film. Bhushan Kumar, head of the label, has now responded to the notice sent by the actress.

In a statement, Kumar said that the rights of the film were sold more than 18 months ago to Wave Cinemas, and has no control over the film’s release. “No actor gives permission (for release) until and unless she is an Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) member of the film. As far as the payment is concerned, we are replying to her notice with a copy of the bank receipts because all the payments were made in cheque. If she does not have the agreement copy or has misplaced it, she could have asked us for it. Without it, how does she know how much is pending?” he said.

Kumar also revealed that Ranaut, the lead actress of the film, was paid Rs 10 lakh post the dubbing and her last payment had been cleared simultaneously. Bhushan Kumar will be replying to the notice which was sent to him and the team is set to release the film on the decided date.  

The issue came into the limelight when Ranaut claimed that Kumar told her the film would not be released as it is not up to the mark. However, the Tanu Weds Manu’ actress was shocked when the decision to release the film was made. This was when Ranaut sent out a legal notice to the film’s makers.

Ranaut’s lawyer, Rizwan Siddiquee, said at the time, “It is very unfortunate that without even informing my client, T-Series has unilaterally decided to theatrically release an old film starring my client amongst others. The film was originally abandoned by T-Series for almost six years, as it was not up to the mark and therefore, not commercially viable. It is obvious that T-series is trying to cash in on the current situation for personal gains and therefore, in discharge of their moral duty they neither informed my client nor asked her to promote the said film. Despite that, the act of belatedly and unilaterally releasing the film amounts to willful breach of trust. This would hamper the name and image of my client. In my notice, I have asked them to stop the release of the film, as was verbally assured to my client on numerous occasions.”

Music label T- Series not only produces music but has also released music of films like ‘Aashiqui 2’, ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’, ‘Queen’ and many others.