Karnataka High Court lifts ban on release of Hindi film ‘Maidan’

BENGALURU: In a relief to the producers of the film Maidaan, the Karnataka High Court on Thursday stayed the interim and ex parte injunction passed by a Mysuru court against the worldwide theatrical/OTT release of the Ajay Devgn film. -Starring movie.

The film is said to be based on the life and journey of Syed Abdul Raheem, a coach who revolutionized Indian football.

Justice Krishna Kumar set aside the injunction after an urgent hearing on a petition filed by Boney Kapoor, designated partner of Bayview Projects Limited Partnership, the film’s producer.

On April 8, 2024, District Judge Mysuru granted an injunction after hearing a petition filed by one CR Anil Kumar. Plaintiff Anil Kumar claimed that the film was an infringement of his work titled ‘Pattgunduga’.

The producer contended that the Mysuru court order did not state any reasons nor did it elaborate on how the plaintiff Anil Kumar had made a prima facie case.

It was submitted that there was no material on record to substantiate the alleged copyright infringement except for the statement that the trailer/teaser was released more than a month and a half before the suit was filed. According to the producer, the complainant Anil Kumar had not submitted the script or the entire film.

Further, on behalf of the producers, it was argued that an interim ex parte order of temporary injunction would have the detrimental effect of delaying and preventing the film’s worldwide theatrical/OTT release.

It is stated that the filming of the movie had started in 2019 but was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.