As per the latest update from Bar and Bench, the Delhi High Court on Thursday refused to stay the release of the film Doosra in a suit field by former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly. Sourav Ganguly has moved to court to stay the release of the upcoming film Doosra on October 23. He filed the case over a violation of his ‘personality rights’.
The case will be heard again tomorrow, October 23. Ganguly entered into an agreement with Luv Films on August 5, 2021, granting the production house exclusive rights to develop, produce and commercially exploit audiovisual content, including a biographical film based on his life and cricketing career, according to the suit. It adds that the trailer and promotional campaign for Doosra, launched on October 12, prominently refer to Ganguly’s leadership of the Indian cricket team and its historic victory in the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s. It also cited an interview in which Doosra director Abhinay Deo discussed how the 2002 NatWest final and milestones in Ganguly’s career influenced the film’s fictional character, Tara.
Starring Plabita Borthakur as Tara, the film uses a landmark moment in cricket to explore a much more personal struggle for freedom. Justice Dinesh Bhatt made it clear that he has not stopped the release of the film in theatres. Sourav Ganguly and film production house Luv Films LLP had approached the Delhi High Court seeking to restrain the release of the film citing exploitation of the former’s live events, particularly his captaincy in the NatWest cricket series final and his shirtless celebration at Lord’s. They alleged unauthorised commercial exploitation of his personality rights and infringement of the production house’s exclusive contractual rights over his proposed biopic. Ganguly and Luv Films have sought an injunction against the film’s theatrical, digital and other releases, as well as the circulation of promotional material allegedly using Ganguly’s name, image, likeness and iconic cricketing moments without authorisation. This includes his shirtless celebration on the Lord’s balcony. They contend that these references are being used to generate commercial interest by capitalising on Ganguly’s identity and reputation, potentially creating an impression that he is associated with or has endorsed the film.
“I have said no stay, so the film can go on,” Justice Bhatt said as per the report.
