Kaithi Vs Bholaa Copyright Row: Bombay HC Takes Up Lawsuit, Rejects Chennai Jurisdiction Claim By Tamil Filmmakers

Ajay

Devgn's Hindi film Bholaa landed in legal soup when the the makers of Tamil hit Kaithi raised copyright issue with the film. Last month, a lawsuit by Dream Warrior Pictures, the producers of Karthi starrer Kaithi made headlines when they approached the Bombay High Court against the team behind its Hindi remake Bholaa. The film has been backed by Ajay Devgn Ffilms and Reliance Entertainment. The production house alleged breach of contract along with copyright violations tied to the remake. The case seems to have gotte a new update as Bombay High Court has passed a new judgement on Friday.

Bombay High Court's verdict in Bholaa Vs Kaithi copyright case

According to Bar and Bench, the Bombay High Court has now clarified that it is well within its rights to hear the case. Justice Sharmila Deshmukh delivered the order, dismissing the argument from the Bholaa makers that the matter should only be handled by courts in Chennai.

The court refused to accept that contention and allowed Dream Warrior Pictures to proceed with its case in Mumbai. The production house has claimed that payments agreed upon under the 2023 remake deal were not fully cleared. Apart from this, it has also sought a halt on the film’s distribution. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for April 30.

What we know about the copyright case?

The 2023 released film Bholaa features Ajay Devgn in the lead and the movie was also directed and produced by him. The horror-drama is the official Hindi adaptation of the 2019 Tamil film Kaithi. Despite the remake releasing three years ago, Dream Warrior Pictures has now taken legal action, maintaining that it continues to hold exclusive rights over the original film and its remakes.Bholaa hit theatres on March 30, 2023, and shortly after this a tripartite agreement was signed on April 1 between Dream Warrior Pictures, Reliance Entertainment, and Ajay Devgn Ffilms LLP. As per the claims made in court, two instalments that were due under an earlier agreement, scheduled for April 29 and May 29, 2023, were allegedly not paid.

What are the allegations made by Kaithi makers?

The production banner stated that it sent repeated reminders throughout 2023 and 2024, asking for the pending payments as well as financial details, but did not receive any response. Eventually, on October 28, 2024, it issued a legal notice demanding Rs 4 crore along with interest. The notice also said that if the bills weren't paid within 30 days, the agreement would end and the company would get all of its rights back.

Kaithi was directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, who has already confirmed that a sequel is in the works. The film is also part of his larger interconnected universe, which includes Vikram starring Kamal Haasan and Leo featuring Vijay.