Dhurandhar 2: Court Case Delays Spy Thriller's OTT Release

Key facts

• Dhurandhar 2 has completed seven weeks in theatres.
• The film has grossed nearly Rs 1,800 crore globally.
• A lawsuit was filed by filmmaker Rajiv Rai against Jio Studios and B62 Studios.
• The suit alleges unauthorized use of the song 'Tirchi Topiwale' from the 1989 film Tridev.
• Mediation between the parties has failed.
• An OTT release is unlikely before mid-May.
• The next court hearing is scheduled for May 8.

Box Office Triumph Meets Legal Hurdle

Seven weeks after its theatrical debut, the Aditya Dhar-directed spy thriller 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' continues to captivate audiences and shatter box-office records. The film has emerged as one of the highest-grossing Indian productions of all time, with global earnings approaching Rs 1,800 crore. Yet, despite its monumental success on the big screen, fans eagerly awaiting its digital release face an unexpected delay. The hold-up stems from a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by filmmaker Rajiv Rai, the director and producer of the 1989 film 'Tridev'. Rai alleges that Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the producers of 'Dhurandhar 2', have unlawfully incorporated a recreated version of the iconic song 'Tirchi Topiwale' from his original movie. This legal entanglement casts a shadow over the much-anticipated OTT premiere, leaving audiences in suspense regarding when they can stream the blockbuster from their homes.

The Song at the Center of the Dispute

The contentious track, a recreated version of 'Tirchi Topiwale' now titled 'Rang De Laal', was composed by Shashwat Sachdev for 'Dhurandhar 2'. It features prominently in the film's climax sequence. Filmmaker Rajiv Rai contends that the use of this remixed song constitutes unauthorized appropriation of his intellectual property. The original song was a significant element of his directorial venture 'Tridev', a film that achieved considerable popularity in its time. This dispute over musical rights has now escalated to the Delhi High Court, prompting legal proceedings that directly impact the film's post-theatrical distribution plans.

Failed Mediation and Court Proceedings

The Delhi High Court had initially urged both parties to resolve the matter amicably through mediation. However, court proceedings on Wednesday revealed that these efforts had reached an impasse, with mediation ultimately failing to yield a settlement. The case will now proceed to a full trial, with the next hearing slated for May 8. During the latest court session, Super Cassettes, the entity holding the audio and music rights for 'Dhurandhar 2', actively opposed the petitioner's request for interim relief, signaling a protracted legal battle. This judicial process is directly influencing the timeline for the film's streaming debut.

Tentative Timeline for Digital Release

B62 Films informed the court that 'Dhurandhar 2' is unlikely to be available on Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms until at least mid-May. This statement aligns with the industry standard of an eight-to-10-week theatrical window preceding a digital release. As 'Dhurandhar 2' completes its eighth week in cinemas on May 14, a mid-May OTT launch appears to be the earliest possible scenario, contingent on the resolution of the legal challenges. While the first film in the franchise was released on Netflix, the sequel is reportedly slated to premiere on JioHotstar, pending the outcome of the ongoing court case.

Franchise Success and Ensemble Cast

Directed by Aditya Dhar and produced by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, 'Dhurandhar 2' boasts a stellar ensemble cast. Alongside lead actor Ranveer Singh, the film features Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Sara Arjun, contributing to its widespread appeal. The 'Dhurandhar' franchise has achieved remarkable financial success, with the two films collectively grossing over Rs 3,100 crore worldwide. The sequel's individual performance, earning nearly Rs 1,800 crore globally, solidifies its position as a landmark achievement in Indian cinema. This immense commercial success underscores the significant stakes involved in the current legal dispute, as it affects the distribution of a film that has already proven to be a major box-office draw.

The bottom line

• The spy thriller 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge' has garnered nearly Rs 1,800 crore globally after seven weeks in theaters.
• A copyright lawsuit filed by filmmaker Rajiv Rai over the song 'Tirchi Topiwale' is delaying the film's OTT release.
• Mediation efforts to resolve the copyright dispute have failed, and the case is heading to trial.
• An Over-The-Top (OTT) release is unlikely before mid-May, following the standard theatrical window.
• The sequel is expected to stream on JioHotstar, a departure from the first film's Netflix release.
• The legal battle impacts the distribution plans of a film that has achieved significant box-office success.