In the glitzy world of Bollywood, where dreams are woven into cinematic masterpieces, a recent legal battle has cast a shadow over the much-anticipated film “Animal.” Cine 1 Studios, a co-producer of the film, approached the Delhi High Court on Monday, seeking a halt to its release on digital platforms, raising the curtain on a drama that rivals the intensity of the on-screen performances.
“Animal,” directed by the acclaimed Sandeep Reddy Vanga, had a grand theatrical premiere on December 1, 2023, captivating audiences with its gripping narrative. However, the plot took an unexpected turn as Cine 1 Studios filed a petition alleging a breach of agreement and requested a pause on its release across OTT platforms, digital streaming services, and satellite broadcasts.
At the heart of the dispute is a financial tussle between Cine 1 Studios Pvt Ltd and Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd, the co-producer. According to reports by NDTV, Cine 1 Studios claimed that they had not received any payment, asserting a breach of their collaborative agreement. The stakes were high as the scheduled OTT release on Netflix was set for January 26.
Justice Sanjeev Narula took center stage in the courtroom, examining documents presented by the defendant, Super Cassettes Industries. The documents detailed a payment of Rs 2.6 crore to Cine 1 Studios, a fact that the plaintiff seemed unaware of during the proceedings. The counsel for Cine 1 Studios assured the court that they would seek instructions from their client and provide the necessary information.
The legal stage was set for a showdown as the plaintiff’s counsel promised to secure the attendance of Cine 1 Studios’ authorized signatory, Murad Khetani, on the upcoming hearing date of January 18. Senior advocate Sandeep Sethi, representing Cine 1 Studios, highlighted the lack of information regarding the film’s revenue, box office collections, and distribution rights, expressing frustration over the alleged breach of the agreement.
“They (Super Cassettes) have been gathering all the funds, yet I haven’t received a single penny. I’ve had a longstanding relationship with them, but they show no regard for the agreement,” Sethi asserted passionately.
The crux of the complaint from Cine 1 Studios was that, under their collaborative agreement, they were entitled to a 35% profit share and 35% intellectual property rights. The claim further alleged that Super Cassettes, without approval, spent funds on production, promotion, and release, withholding crucial financial details from Cine 1 Studios.
In a riveting twist, senior advocate Amit Sibal, representing Super Cassettes, countered that Cine 1 Studios had not invested any money in the film. Sibal argued that all expenses were covered by his client and pointed to a document mutually signed by the parties. This document revealed that on August 2, 2022, Cine 1 Studios relinquished all intellectual property rights in the film in exchange for Rs 2.6 crore, as stated in an issued invoice.
As the legal battle unfolds, the fate of “Animal” hangs in the balance, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this real-life Bollywood drama. The court proceedings have peeled back the glamorous façade, exposing the intricacies of collaboration, financial disputes, and the delicate dance between creativity and commerce in the film industry. The echoes of this legal duel resonate far beyond the courtroom, reflecting the challenges faced by those who bring our favorite stories to the silver screen.