Marathi News
Bombay High Court Denies Stay on Release of Marathi Film Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale
The Bombay High Court on Thursday refused to halt the release of Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale, a Marathi film directed by Mahesh Manjrekar, despite claims of copyright infringement by Everest Entertainment LLP. Everest had alleged that the film’s title and trailer closely resembled their 2009 hit Mee Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy, causing potential confusion among audiences.Justice Amit S Jamsandekar, presiding over the vacation bench, noted that Everest delayed approaching the court despite being aware of the film since April 2025. The judge described the suit as suffering from “gross and inordinate delay” and criticized Everest for filing the petition “at the eleventh hour.”
The court emphasized that last-minute attempts to stall film releases should be discouraged and rejected, stating, “A litigant who adopts a relaxed approach does not deserve any equity.”Represented by advocate Ravindra Suryawanshi, Everest argued that Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale was a “blatant and slavish copy” of their earlier film and was misleadingly presented as a sequel. They also claimed similarities in script, dialogues, and promotional materials.The defendants—including Manjrekar, Krizolh Filmz LLP, Satyasai Productions, and Zee Entertainment—contested the allegations, pointing out Everest’s delay of over five months before filing the suit. Advocate Harshad Bhadbhade argued the two films were “entirely different in theme and concept,” with the earlier film focusing on a Mumbai man’s identity crisis, while the new movie highlights farmers’ struggles and corruption.
They also argued that the name “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj” and associated imagery belong to the public domain and cannot be copyrighted.After reviewing both films, Justice Jamsandekar found no substantial copying. Citing precedent, the court held that similarity in theme alone does not amount to copyright infringement without direct replication of original content.The judge also dismissed Everest’s claim over dialogues like “Yaaj Sathi Kela Hota Attahas” and “Garv Balag Marathi Aslyacha,” ruling that these are common Marathi expressions that cannot be exclusively owned.Concluding there was no evident infringement, Justice Jamsandekar stated,
“By no stretch of imagination can the plaintiff claim exclusive rights over such material.” However, the court allowed the film’s release as scheduled on October 31.
“By no stretch of imagination can the plaintiff claim exclusive rights over such material.” However, the court allowed the film’s release as scheduled on October 31.
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