Karan Johar files lawsuit in Bombay HC against 'Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar' makers for 'exploiting his name'

Karan Johar

On Wednesday, filmmaker Karan Johar filed a lawsuit at the Bombay High Court against writer-director Bablu Singh, producer of Indian Pride Advisory, and Sanjay Singh, of the upcoming movie 'Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar'. The film is set to release on June 14. The plea presented before the single bench of Justice RI Chagla has requested the immediate prohibition of the film's release.

According to the lawsuit, Karan Johar has stated that he has no affiliation with the film and the makers are unlawfully exploiting his name without any authorisation. The title of the film directly made reference to his name, thereby violating his personality rights, rights to publicity and privacy, he added.

Johar submitted that the film is set to be released in cinemas on June 14 and the trailer and posters of the film was released in public areas and social media.

"These trailers and posters have caused and are continuing to cause irreparable loss and damage to the goodwill and reputation of the Plaintiff. Further, such release of the said film with the title containing his brand name "Karan Johar" together or in parts, will cause irreparable loss and damage to the goodwill and reputation, which he has gained after investing huge amounts of time, effort and money," the suit said.

Johar was represented by partners Parag Khandhar and Chandrima Mitra along with associates Pranita Saboo and Anaheeta Verma from DSK Legal.

On the work front:

Karan Johar's last directorial 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani' was released in theatres almost a year ago. The filmmaker is currently gearing up for the release of his production, 'Kill'. The film that has been termed 'India's most violent film' and is directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat. Kill' made its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023 and is now ready for release in theaters on July 5, 2024. It earned reviews for its thrilling action scenes, marking Lakshya as a rising star in the film industry.

Lakshya, initially slated to debut in the shelved romantic comedy Dostana 2, now stars in the lead role of 'Kill'. He is accompanied by Raghav Juyal and Tanya Maniktala as they navigate the intense fight that erupts aboard the speeding train. Recently, he produced Sidharth Malhotra's Yoddha and Sara Ali Khan's Ae Watan Mere Watan.