Court allows Shamshera OTT release only after deposition of Rs 1 crore with its registry

Mumbai (Maharashtra): After a copyrights issue was filed against Yash Raj Films’ ‘Shamshera’, the movie was stalled from its OTT release which was initially scheduled on Friday. Now, the court has given a green flag for the OTT release given that YRF submits Rs one crore with its registry. Judge Jyoti Singh ruled in the case filed by Bikramjeet Singh Bhullar alleging that the filmmakers had violated his copyright in 'Kabu na chhadein Khet'.

Bhullar had filed to ban the film’s OTT release but the filmmakers urged the court to allow the release as otherwise, they would be breaching their contractual obligations with third parties. Hence, the court declared as they would suffer irreparable damages, the plaintiff can be compensated with monetary gains in case he wins the case.

So, in the order dated August 18, the judge said that the film has already been released in the theatres but as the OTT release has not been done yet, it is only fair to allow it only after they deposit the money by August 22.

“Considering the totality of the circumstances as well as the fact that the impugned film has already been released in theatres and is scheduled to be released on the OTT Platforms tomorrow i.e. 19.08.2022, in my view, in order to balance the equities between the parties, at this stage, it would be appropriate to permit Defendant No. 1 to release the impugned film "Shamshera", on the OTT Platforms, subject, however, to Defendant No. 1 (Yash Raj Films Pvt Ltd) depositing a sum of Rs.1 Crore with the Registrar General of this Court, latest by 22.08.2022,” the court said.

“It is made clear that if the money is not deposited within the timeline granted by this Court, an injunction shall operate against the further telecast of the movie on the OTT Platforms with effect from 23.08.2022. Needless to state, the deposit is without prejudice to the rights and contentions of the parties to the lis and is only to balance the equities at this stage,” it added.