‘Maidaan’ makers address plagiarism claims, Mysore Court's stay orders: ‘We were not served any notice’

Zee Studios and Boney Kapoor's Bayview Projects LLP responded to the Mysore court's decision to halt the release of Ajay Devgn starrer ‘Maidaan’.

The court's order came after a Karnataka-based scriptwriter, Anil Kumar, accused the film of plagiarism, claiming that he had shared the script with ‘Maidaan's assistant director, Sukhdas Suryavanshi.

Boney Kapoor's Bayview Projects LLP issued a media statement regarding the plagiarism claims and court order against ‘Maidaan's release. They stated that they were not given prior notice and are appealing the order. The statement clarified that the order was ex-parte, meaning without their input, and was issued after the film's release, making it ineffective. Despite this, they are filing an appeal with the Karnataka High Court for urgent relief. They assured that the film's release will continue as they take legal steps advised to them. The statement concluded with an assurance to update regarding further developments after moving the matter to the High Court.

‘Dear all, we have just been served the copy of the Order of the District Judge restraining the release of the film. At the outset, we would like to place on record that the said order passed by the District Judge is an ex-parte order, without giving us an opportunity of being heard,’ they said in a statement.

‘We were not served any notice prior to the filing of the said suit or hearing of the matter. Additionally, the said order has been passed after the release of the film and therefore, any such order passed that retrains the release of the film is infructuous under law. However, we are filing an appeal against the order before the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka. We shall move the matter before the Hon’ble High Court for urgent reliefs in order to stay the operation of the said order,’ they added.

‘Without prejudice to the aforesaid, we are taking all the steps as we have been legally advised, kindly be assured that the release of the film can continue. We shall update you regarding the further developments regarding this, once we move the matter before the Hon’ble High Court. Best regards Punkej Kharabanda COO Bayview Projects LLP (sic),’ the statement concluded.

About 'Maidaan'

‘Maidaan’ depicts the story of coach SA Rahim and his football team, who achieved gold at the 1962 Asian Games. The film has received positive reviews.

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