'Doosra' makers violated Sourav Ganguly's personality rights, says court
What's the story
The Delhi High Court has observed that the makers of Doosra have prima facie violated former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly's personality rights. However, the court refused to stop the film's theatrical release and directed filmmakers to add a disclaimer. The sports drama, released on October 23, has been embroiled in a legal dispute over its depiction of Ganguly.
Legal proceedings
Court's ruling on the film
On Friday (November 6), Justice Tejas Karia of the Delhi High Court noted that the film went beyond merely depicting historical events. He observed that the defendants had prima facie commercially exploited Ganguly's identity and persona.
Despite this, the court allowed Doosra to continue its box office run and directed filmmakers to add a suitable disclaimer in the movie.
It also asked them to provide a bank guarantee of ₹2 crore as part of an interim order in Ganguly's lawsuit.
Controversy
Legal tussle over depiction of Ganguly
The legal dispute between Ganguly and the makers of Doosra revolves around the alleged unauthorized use of his identity in the film's promotional material and narrative.
The former cricketer argued that the film's trailer and marketing campaign included references to his illustrious cricketing career without his consent.
A major point of contention is India's historic win against England in the 2002 NatWest Series final, which featured Ganguly's iconic shirtless celebration from the Lord's balcony.
Contractual dispute
Luv Films has exclusive rights to produce biopic on Ganguly
Ganguly and Luv Films LLP, which is producing his biopic, have raised concerns over the unauthorized commercial use of his name, image, and significant career moments in Doosra.
Luv Films has also cited an agreement signed on August 5, 2021, asserting it holds exclusive rights to develop a biographical film on Ganguly.
Its upcoming project Dada - The Sourav Ganguly Story is set to release on May 14, 2027.
Filmmakers' defense
What did 'Doosra' makers claim?
The makers of Doosra have maintained that it isn't a biographical film based on Ganguly's life.
Instead, they describe it as a sports drama revolving around Tara, a middle-class girl from Rajasthan whose outlook is shaped by sporting moments and Ganguly's fighting spirit.
The makers also told the court that they obtained permission from the BCCI to use certain cricket footage in the film.