Delhi High Court rules in Sourav Ganguly’s favour, ordering ₹2 crore deposit and mandatory disclaimers for 'Doosra'. Film banned from OTT release pending compliance. A new biopic on Ganguly, 'Dada', faces uncertainty.
The Delhi High Court has ruled in favour of former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly, finding that the film Doosra: India’s Other Freedom Struggle infringed upon his personality and publicity rights. The verdict comes just days before the movie’s scheduled theatrical release, now thrown into legal limbo. The court ordered the filmmakers to deposit ₹2 crore as a bank guarantee and display prominent disclaimers in both Hindi and English at the beginning and end of the film.
These disclaimers must explicitly state that Ganguly did not consent to the commercial use or depiction of his persona, and that the project has no official association with or authorisation from him. The ruling also prohibits the film’s release on OTT platforms or any other medium until compliance is met.
The legal dispute centres on the film’s use of Ganguly’s identity — specifically, his shirtless celebration after India’s 2002 NatWest Series Final win over England, a moment central to the narrative of a young protagonist navigating systemic oppression. Director Abhinay Deo’s film draws thematic parallels between Ganguly’s defiance on the field and the struggles of a young woman in a patriarchal society.
But the court observed that elements of Ganguly’s personal life and career were so deeply interwoven into the story that removing them would be practically impossible. As a result, it opted for corrective measures rather than a full edit. The case was filed by Ganguly himself, who challenged the unauthorised exploitation of his image and legacy for commercial gain.
Luv Films LLP, which holds adaptation rights to another biopic on Ganguly titled Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story, has expressed concern that this ruling could impact their upcoming project. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg, Dada stars Rajkummar Rao and is set for release on May 14, 2027.
According to trade sources quoted by Cinema Express, Luv Films has raised reservations about how the Doosra decision might affect their own production, particularly given the shared intellectual property landscape. The film Doosra stars Plabita Borthakur alongside Ankur Vikal, Samidha Guru, Twisha Joshi, and Krishna Gokani. While the court acknowledged the artistic intent behind the film, it stressed the need to protect public figures’ rights to control how their image is used in media.
This isn’t just about one movie, it’s a precedent. When a cultural icon becomes a narrative device without consent, courts are stepping in. The next move? Either comply with the disclaimers and deposit, or delay the release indefinitely.
The clock is ticking.
Be the first to comment
Join the argument. No password, just your email or a passkey.