Vashu Bhagnani Gets Interim Protection In IP Dispute Against Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai Makers - All About Row

David Dhawan returns to direction with Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai headlined by Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur and Pooja Hegde. The iconic Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen’s song, Chunnari Chunnari from Biwi No 1, was recreated. The rights were reserved with Vashu Bhagnani’s Puja Entertainment that produced the film. Upon learning about the new rendition, the production house took a legal move. Now, on May 13, Puja Entertainment secured crucial interim protection from the Court of Civil Judge (Senior Division)-I, Katihar, in proceedings initiated against Tips Music Limited and other parties concerning the unauthorised exploitation and commercial misuse of valuable intellectual property rights associated with some of Bollywood's most celebrated films

and music catalogues.

Vashu Bhagnani reacts to IP dispute case with HJTIHH makers

After the verdict, Vashu said in a statement to ANI that he had plans to make multiple movies with David after Prime Video’s Coolie No 1 starring Varun and Sara Ali Khan. He recalled the Dhawans asking if he had the rights for Chunnari Chunnari and other songs. At that time, Rohit Dhawan and the family told him that they would need time and assured they were not remaking Biwi No 1. However, a year later, the song was shot with Varun, Mrunal, and Pooja. Vashu added that when his son, Jackky Bhagnani, reached out to Rohit, Varun's elder brother, Rohit denied any involvement in the matter. When they took the matter to Varun, the actor apparently said, “What can we do with this song? The producer asked us to make it.” Bhagnani took a stand and said the makers should have sought his permission. “How can an ethical person shoot my songs for someone else?” he asked. The veteran producer was further disappointed knowing it was done by David. Following this, he approached the court.

Further details about the case

According to ANI’s report, the matter concerns films backed by Puja Entertainment, such as Coolie No 1 (1995), Hero No 1 (1996), Biwi No 1 (1999), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998), Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa (2000) and Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai (2001). Reportedly, as of now, the proposed release and commercial exploitation of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai remains subject to the interim status quo and protective orders passed by the court. According to Puja Entertainment, the company approached the court after discovering continued and unauthorised exploitation, dissemination, monetisation and commercial usage of its films, music rights, sound recordings and underlying works through various mediums, including streaming, broadcasting, digital platforms and related commercial channels. The court, after hearing the matter, granted interim protection, and also passed a detailed Status Quo order directing all parties to maintain the existing state of affairs concerning the disputed films, music catalogues and underlying intellectual property rights. The Court observed that failure to grant immediate protection would result in serious and irreparable injury to the plaintiff's proprietary and statutory rights. According to the ANI report, Puja Entertainment will be taking all necessary legal action to safeguard its intellectual property, creative assets, films, music and underlying works from any unauthorised exploitation. The matter is still pending adjudication before the Court.