A significant legal controversy has erupted in the Indian film industry, pitting acclaimed filmmaker Aditya Dhar against writer Santosh Kumar. The dispute centers on grave allegations of script theft related to the film Dhurandhar 2, also known as Dhurandhar The Revenge, with both parties now preparing for a major legal battle.
The Core Allegations
Writer Santosh Kumar publicly asserts that Dhurandhar 2 is directly based on his original script. He claims to have painstakingly developed and registered his story with the Screenwriter Association in November 2023, possessing substantial proof including:
• Mail communications detailing his efforts to pitch the script.
• Photographs and sketches related to his original work.
• Complete script copies.
Kumar alleges that his story, intended for 'cinema entertainment,' was exploited and transformed into 'political propaganda' in the final film, causing him distress.
Santosh Kumar's Stance and Counter-Claims Santosh Kumar has strongly refuted claims of receiving a formal legal notice from Dhar's team, stating it was merely a reply to his email. He further alleges that he has been subjected to harassment and pressure to remain silent. Despite attempts to contact Aditya Dhar and production houses like Jio Studios and B62 Studios, Kumar claims he received no direct engagement. He maintains his intention to pursue legal action, emphasizing his commitment to fight for intellectual property rights and protect aspiring writers from similar exploitation.
Aditya Dhar's Legal Response Filmmaker Aditya Dhar has categorically denied all allegations through his legal representatives. His team has issued a notice to Santosh Kumar, refuting the script theft claims and requesting him to cease making what they describe as 'false' and 'baseless' accusations. Given Kumar's continued public statements, Aditya Dhar is reportedly in the process of initiating formal legal proceedings against the writer to resolve the matter in court.
Implications for the Film Industry This escalating dispute brings critical attention to intellectual property concerns and the protection of creative works within the highly competitive film industry. With both Aditya Dhar and Santosh Kumar resolute in their positions, the legal showdown is expected to be significant. The outcome could not only determine the validity of the script theft claims but also set crucial precedents for how original content is acknowledged and safeguarded in the future.
