In a significant development for Tamil cinema enthusiasts, the Madras High Court has declined to halt the re-release of the iconic 1987 film 'Nayagan' starring veteran actor Kamal Haasan. The court's decision comes as a relief to fans who celebrated the film's return to theaters on November 7, coinciding with Haasan's 71st birthday anniversary.
Court Rejects Interim Stay Plea
Justice N Senthilkumar, presiding over the case, refused to grant any interim stay against the film's re-release following a petition filed by Karnataka-based production company SR Film Factory. The court observed that there was no prima facie evidence of copyright infringement that would warrant stopping the film's exhibition.
The petitioner company had claimed it acquired comprehensive rights for the movie through an agreement dated October 11, 2023. According to their submission, these rights included re-release privileges and digital format rights valid from June 30, 2023, until November 17, 2035. The company further revealed it had paid a substantial consideration of Rs 60 lakh for acquiring digital theatrical exhibition, exploitation, and distribution rights across three southern states - Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
Conflicting Rights Claims Emerge
The legal dispute unfolded when SR Film Factory, while preparing the film for digitization and planned re-release, discovered advertisements announcing the movie's re-release on November 6. The company alleged that the original rights holders - ATM Production, Surabhi Enterprises, and V S Film International - had suppressed their existing agreement and colluded with Qube Cinemas and UFO Movies to enable the re-release.
In their petition, SR Film Factory contended that this action violated their exclusive rights under Sections 14(d) and 51 of the Copyright Act. However, V S Film International countered these claims by presenting a valid license authorizing them to proceed with the re-release. They argued that the petitioner had failed to establish a genuine case of copyright infringement and sought dismissal of the plea.
Legal Implications and Industry Impact
The court's refusal to grant interim relief highlights the complex nature of copyright disputes in the film industry, especially concerning classic movies being revived for new audiences. The decision allows cinema lovers to continue enjoying this cinematic masterpiece while the legal proceedings continue.
This case underscores the importance of clear documentation and transparency in rights agreements within the entertainment industry. As digital restoration and re-releases of classic films become increasingly popular, such legal clarity becomes crucial for all stakeholders involved in film preservation and distribution.
