Storm in a teacup?

Is Birugaali heavily inspired by Telugu film Chatrapathi? No, insists director Harsha who alleges he is being victimised because he is a newcomer

Whirlwind: Birugaali has kicked up a storm

Is Birugaali heavily inspired by Telugu film Chatrapathi? No, insists director Harsha who alleges he is being victimised because he is a newcomer

Harsha, who made the film Geleya, is worried that the release of his next film Birugaali may be stalled. Producer Dinesh Gandhi has accused him of borrowing heavily from Chatrapathi, a Telugu film, whose remake rights Dinesh has bought.

Dinesh lodged a formal complaint with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday.

'Nothing wrong'

Rockline Venkatesh, KFCC's vice-president, said, "There's nothing wrong in Dinesh Gandhi asking for a preview of Birugaali.u00a0 Why is Harsha making an issue of it?"u00a0u00a0u00a0

Dinesh is said to have demanded a preview of Birugaali after watching the promos of Birugaali on some TV channels.

Conditions apply

Harsha insists the accusation is false. "Birugaali is my own script. The film is ready for release, so I am shocked by Dinesh Gandhi's charges against me. I have agreed to organise a preview on Thursday, following Rockline Venkatesh's suggestion. But I have a condition. If Birugaali is found to have nothing in common with Chatrapathi, then Dinesh Gandhi should pay a penalty - if not to me, then at least to KFCC," he said.u00a0

"My film explores the relationship between a woman and her son.u00a0 I am a new director and I shudder to think of how young directors will feel if they face such accusations at the beginning of their career," Harsha added.u00a0u00a0

Dinesh Gandhi was unavailable for comment.

Is Anu being forced out of theatres?
Balu, the producer of the Pooja Gandhi-starrer Anu, alleges that his film is being forced out of theatres in the city to accommodate new releases. Right now, the film is playing at Abhinay, a theatre on KG Road.u00a0

"When I complained to KFCC, one of the eminent members said, 'Did we tell you to make the film? Why are you bringing your complaint to us?' Did I pay Rs 50,000 as KFCC membership fee to hear such rude remarks?" asked Balu.