Amid Rs 1.50 crore fraud case, ‘Dhamaal’ maker issues official statement over the film’s rights |

Bollywood Stalwarts Indra Kumar and Ashok Thakeria Embroiled in Rs 1.5 Crore ‘Dhamaal’ Rights Fraud Allegations

Mumbai, India – Renowned filmmaker Indra Kumar and veteran producer Ashok Thakeria, the creative forces behind the 2007 blockbuster comedy ‘Dhamaal’, are facing serious allegations of fraud. A First Information Report (FIR) was reportedly lodged against the duo on August 17th, stemming from a complaint by Vikas Baldevraj Sahni, proprietor of Mumbai-based film distribution firm Grand Master. The case revolves around an alleged Rs 1.50 crore dispute concerning the distribution and copyright rights of the popular film.

The controversy ignited after Sahni accused Kumar and Thakeria’s production banner, Maruti International, of misrepresentation regarding the film’s rights.

Maruti International Issues Statement, Acknowledges Discussions

In response to the escalating reports, Ashok Thakeria’s Maruti International released an official statement, as per a Mid-day report, acknowledging the ongoing dispute. The statement read: "We are currently in discussions with the concerned party and the matter regarding the rights will be resolved mutually after further discussions." While the statement confirms engagement with Sahni, it offers little detail on the specifics of the alleged fraud.

The Alleged 2019 Distribution Agreement Under Scrutiny

According to an NDTV report, the crux of the matter lies in an agreement allegedly signed on October 15, 2019. This contract purportedly granted Sahni’s Grand Master worldwide distribution, digital, and copyright rights to the 2007 hit ‘Dhamaal’ for a sum of Rs 1.50 crore. The film, which starred a stellar ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Jaaved Jaaferi, and Riteish Deshmukh, has since garnered a significant fan following and spawned a successful franchise.

Sahni Alleges Prior Rights Deal with Shemaroo Entertainment

The core of Sahni’s complaint hinges on his claim that he was initially assured the film’s rights had not been previously sold. However, he later discovered a crucial discrepancy: the lifetime OTT and digital rights to ‘Dhamaal’ had reportedly already been acquired by Shemaroo Entertainment in 2015, four years before Grand Master’s agreement.

Sahni further alleges that in January 2020, a representative from Maruti International disclosed the existing deal with Shemaroo, which purportedly granted them lifetime rights to the film. Adding another layer of complexity, Sahni claims a supplementary agreement between Maruti International and Shemaroo was subsequently signed in October 2020.

Grand Master’s Copyright Certificate Fuels the Dispute

Adding weight to Sahni’s claims, his company, Grand Master, reportedly filed for cinematograph copyright in March 2020. The complaint states that the Copyright Office later issued a copyright certificate—CF-5230/2023—to Grand Master on April 28, 2023. This certificate could potentially bolster Sahni’s legal position in the ongoing dispute.

‘Dhamaal’ Franchise: A Legacy Now Clouded by Controversy

Released in September 2007, ‘Dhamaal’ quickly achieved cult status, lauded for its slapstick humor and memorable characters. The success of the film led to a popular franchise, with its fourth installment, ‘Dhamaal 4’, recently released with Ajay Devgn in the lead. The alleged fraud case now casts a shadow over the legacy of this beloved comedy series, as the Bollywood industry watches closely to see how this complex legal battle unfolds. Further developments are anticipated as discussions continue between the involved parties.