As per PTI, the Delhi High Court has asked the film’s makers to add a disclaimer and give ₹ 2 crore bank guarantee on Sourav’s plea over personality rights violations. There is a new development in Sourav Ganguly’s legal battle over the film Doosra. The cricketer had accused the makers of commercially exploiting his identity, personality and iconic moments from his cricketing career without his permission.
The controversy began ahead of the theatrical release of Doosra: India’s Other Freedom Struggle on October 23. The former cricketer’s legal team particularly objected to the film’s portrayal of India’s historic 2002 NatWest Series final against England at Lord’s. However, it sought a response from the filmmakers and directed them to arrange a screening of the film so that the court could examine the objections.
The dispute also involves film production and distribution company Luv Films, which had acquired the rights to make an authorised biopic on Ganguly, titled Dada : The Sourav Ganguly Story, starring Rajkummar Rao. Ganguly and Luv Films LLP filed a lawsuit against the film’s makers, alleging that it used elements of the former cricketer’s identity and career without authorisation. Luv Films also argued that the film interfered with the rights granted to it under its agreement to make an authorised biographical film on the cricketer. Sourav’s shirtless celebration on the Lord’s balcony, after India defeated England to win the final, remains one of the most iconic moments of his cricketing career.
The second half of Doosra heavily focuses on the NatWest Series final and uses moments associated with the former cricketer to promote the film, according to cricketer’s counsel.
In earlier hearings, the Delhi High Court declined Ganguly’s request to stop the theatrical release of Doosra.
