Delhi High Court Directs Makers of Film Doosra to Deposit Rs 2 Crore Over Sourav Ganguly Personality Rights

Court Ruling

The Delhi High Court ruled that the film Doosra violated the personality and publicity rights of former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly. The Court ordered the production company Ramesh Deo Productions Private Limited to deposit Rs. 2 crore. It also banned the makers from releasing the film on OTT platforms or through any other medium.

Lawsuit Details

Sourav Ganguly and Luv Films filed a lawsuit against the unauthorised use of his identity and life events in the movie. The Court noted that parts of Ganguly's life and personality are deeply tied to the story, making it hard to cut those scenes out. Instead, the makers must add clear disclaimers in both Hindi and English at the start and end of the film.

Required Disclaimers

The disclaimers must state clearly that Ganguly did not give permission for the commercial use or show of his persona in the movie. They must also point out that the project has no official link or approval from him.

Upcoming Biopic

Meanwhile, an official biographical film about the former cricket captain titled Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story is currently in production. Vikramaditya Motwane is directing the project, while Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg are producing it. The film is set for release on May 14, 2026.

Context

Personality rights protect well-known people from having their name, image, and likeness used for commercial gain without their permission. Courts often step in to regulate such unauthorized use in films and media projects to protect personal identity. This legal framework ensures that individuals maintain control over their life stories and public image.