Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has suffered a setback in his attempt to halt the theatrical release of the upcoming film Doosra. The Delhi High Court on Thursday declined to grant an interim stay on the film, which is scheduled to hit cinemas on October 23.
The court’s decision has provided significant relief to the filmmakers, clearing the way for the film’s scheduled theatrical release, at least for now.
Why Did Sourav Ganguly Approach the Court?
Sourav Ganguly, along with production house Luv Films LLP, approached the Delhi High Court alleging that the makers of Doosra had commercially exploited his identity, popularity and iconic moments from his cricketing career without obtaining his consent.
At the centre of the controversy is India’s historic victory over England in the 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s, particularly Ganguly’s unforgettable celebration when he removed his shirt and waved it from the Lord’s balcony.
Ganguly’s legal team argued that the filmmakers had used his identity and cricketing achievements in the film’s promotional material, potentially infringing upon his personality and commercial rights.
Ganguly’s Upcoming Biopic Adds Another Dimension to the Dispute
Another important aspect of the legal battle involves Ganguly’s officially authorised biopic, Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story, which is already being developed by Luv Films.
According to the petition, an agreement signed on August 5, 2021, granted the production house exclusive rights to develop a film based on Ganguly’s life and cricketing career.
The petitioners argued that the use of Ganguly’s identity and historic cricketing moments in Doosra could adversely affect their commercial interests and the exclusive rights associated with the upcoming biopic.
Doosra Makers Defend Their Film
Opposing the allegations, the makers of Doosra maintained that their film is not a biopic of Sourav Ganguly.
Instead, it narrates the story of Tara, a young girl from a middle-class family in Rajasthan who struggles to establish her identity while confronting social restrictions and traditional family expectations.
Watching Ganguly’s iconic celebration on television becomes a defining moment in her life, inspiring her to challenge societal boundaries and pursue her own freedom.
The filmmakers also informed the court that the necessary permission to use the relevant cricket footage had been obtained from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
They further submitted that preparations for the theatrical release were already complete, including bookings at more than 100 cinemas.
Delhi High Court Declines to Halt Release
Hearing the matter, the bench of Justice Dinesh Bhatt observed, at the preliminary stage, that the balance of convenience favoured the filmmakers.
The court declined to restrain the film’s release at this stage. However, the refusal to grant interim relief does not amount to a final determination of Ganguly’s claims concerning his personality rights.
The matter has been listed for its next hearing on Friday, October 23.
What Is Doosra All About?
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Abhinay Deo, Doosra: India’s Other Freedom Struggle explores personal freedom, courage and liberation from social restrictions against the backdrop of India’s memorable 2002 NatWest Series triumph.
The film features Plabita Borthakur, Ankur Vikal and Samidha Guru in prominent roles.
It is produced by Masha Sajdeh and Rohan Sajdeh, with Nita Shah serving as co-producer. The story and screenplay have been written by Agnello Oswin Dias, while the music has been composed by Ram Sampath.
The film attempts to connect a defining moment in Indian cricket history with the emotional journey of a young woman seeking independence and self-expression.
All Eyes on Doosra Amid Legal Controversy
With a legendary cricketer like Sourav Ganguly approaching the court, Doosra has attracted considerable attention just ahead of its theatrical release.
Although the legal dispute has generated controversy, the Delhi High Court’s refusal to grant an immediate stay has come as a major relief to the filmmakers.
All eyes are now on the next hearing scheduled for October 23, when further developments in the case are expected.
For now, despite Ganguly’s objections, there is no judicial restriction preventing Doosra from proceeding with its scheduled theatrical release.