Director Priyadarshan and producer insist when probed about their alleged growing creative differences

Director Priyadarshan and producer Ratan Jain appear to have sorted out their past issues. The two are said to be joining the cast of their upcoming film for promotional activities. However, one of the reasons of their feud — whether to retain Mallika Sherawat's item number in the film — is yet to be resolved.

A well-placed industry source tells us that Jain and Priyadarshan sorted their issues on Tuesday when word about the director suing the producer for non-payment of dues got around the industry. "It was a considerable amount — of over Rs one crore.

And Priyadarshan has given a good number of hits to Jain's production house," said our source, adding that the two decided to promote their film positively keeping in mind the hype it has been generating.

Ratan Jain maintains that there were no issues with Priyadarshan at all and all his dues have been cleared. "In fact, Priyan was overseeing the mixing on Tuesday and Wednesday. Besides, he'll also be involved in the marketing and promotion of the film. I don't know who is spreading such rumours," he asserted.

At his behest, Priyadarshan too reverted to us saying he had no problems with Jain. Dismissing the buzz about monetary issues with the producer, he stated, "It's strange that people spread such stories. I'm as involved in the film as before. I guess the stories started coming since I was not present during the filming of the song with Mallika."

Speaking on Mallika's item number, the director says, "I didn't want this song at all. We are yet to take a call on whether to keep it or retain it."