Karan Johar has scored a major legal victory. The Bombay High Court has put a stop to the release of the film Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar, citing the unauthorised use of the filmmaker’s name and personality rights. The ruling came just a day before the film’s scheduled release on 14 June 2024.
Johar filed a lawsuit against the film’s makers—IndiaPride Advisory Pvt. Ltd., co-producer Sanjay Singh, and director Bablu Singh—alleging that the film’s title exploits his brand value and reputation without his consent.
According to Live Law India, Johar argued that the film’s title directly references his name, leading audiences to believe he is associated with the project.
Bombay HC Says Film’s Title Misleads The Audience & Targets KJo’s Reputation
Justice R.I. Chagla, who presided over the case, found a strong prima facie case of unauthorised use. The judge noted that the film’s title explicitly mentions “director” and “Karan Johar,” potentially misleading the audience. “In my view, a strong prima facie case has been made out by the plaintiff to protect his personality rights which are vested in him considering that he has the status of celebrity as apparent from several blockbuster films which he has directed and produced,” stated Justice Chagla. He further highlighted Johar’s significant role in Bollywood, having launched numerous successful careers.
Senior Advocate Zal Andhyarujina, representing Johar, emphasised that celebrities possess personality rights, which include the right to publicity and the right to privacy. He cited previous cases where Indian courts recognised these rights for stars like Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, and Anil Kapoor. The judge, after viewing the trailer, remarked that the film appears to target Johar’s reputation.
Karan Johar Gets Relief As HC Halts The Film’s Release
Adding weight to Johar’s case, the court noted that the defendants were absent despite receiving notice of the lawsuit and the injunction request. Their silence was interpreted as a lack of intention to contest Johar’s claims. This, along with the film’s title, convinced the court that the filmmakers were leveraging Johar’s name to generate interest.
The court issued an ad-interim order restraining the release of the film and any promotional material using Johar’s name or likeness. This order remains in effect until the next court hearing on 10 July 2024. The defendants can seek modification or vacation of the order by providing a seven-day notice to Johar.
Johar’s lawsuit stresses the potential damage to his reputation and goodwill from the film’s association with his name. He argued that years of hard work have built his brand value, and the unauthorised use of his name in the film’s title is a blatant form of exploitation.
The upcoming hearing in July will determine the film’s fate and whether the makers can address the court’s concerns. For now, Karan Johar can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing his name and legacy are safeguarded.
(Also read: Karan Johar Files Lawsuit Against Unauthorised Use Of His Name In Film Title, Seeks Urgent Injunction)
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