The film will not be screened by one of the largest multiplex chains

While Rascals seems to be enjoying encouraging pre-release reports, Sanjay Dutt's foray into production isn't turning out to be as smooth as he expected.

Reason being a legal dispute between his partners Sanjay Ahluwalia and Vinay Choksey of Rupali Aum Entertainment and Cinemax Pvt Ltd.

As a result of which the multiplex chain is planning to boycott the comedy.

Reportedly, Cinemax has taken Ahluwalia and Choksi to court for not fulfilling the commitment of making a movie despite being paid Rs 2 crore in 2008.

"Their company was supposed to make a movie for us. So we've opted for the legal route to get our money back, " says Sunil Punajbi, CEO, Cinemax, adding that a stay on the release of Rascals has also been filed.

Punjabi says, "We have decided to not screen Rascals at any of our properties, The company invested a considerable amount of money. But there has been nothing coming out of that.

We've reacted on getting no results after three years of waiting, " he maintains.

The hearing on the stay order is scheduled today. However, trade experts opine that Cinemax's decision will make a big dent in the collections of Rascals.

Across India, Cinemax has 126 screens. Instead of Rascals, the multiplex chain is banking on Hollywood biggie Real Steel.

Sanjay Ahluwalia was unavailable for comment.