New Delhi, Dec. 22 -- In India's film industry, where timing drives both buzz and box-office, a single last-minute court order can upend an entire release cycle-an industry-wide risk underscored by the recent case of Akhanda 2. The last-minute postponement of Telugu actor Nandamuri Balakrishna's action adventure film earlier this month, after a Madras High Court order put a stay on its screening following an appeal filed by Eros International Media Ltd, proves that theatrical films continue to fall prey to delays arising from prolonged legal disputes.

While Akhanda 2 did manage to arrive in cinemas a week later, among other instances, the Delhi High Court and Madras High Court had earlier restrained release of the Tamil films Veera Dheer...