The legal battle brewing in the heart of Bollywood’s film industry has reached the hallowed chambers of the Delhi High Court, which has called upon media powerhouse Netflix and film production company Super Cassettes to respond to allegations brought forth by Cine 1 Studios involving the much-talked-about feature film ‘Animal’. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and featuring the talents of star actor Ranbir Kapoor, ‘Animal’ initially graced theater screens on December 1, 2023, and was slated for release on the digital streaming giant, Netflix, come January 26.
The core of the dispute lies in the digital and satellite rights of the film, which has led to Justice Sanjeev Narula directing summons to both Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd, one of the film’s producers, and Cluver Max Entertainment Pvt Ltd, formerly Sony Pictures Networks Ltd, given their contract for the satellite broadcast rights. In a decisive turn during the proceedings, the high court mandated that these entities also submit affidavits either confirming or refuting the documents put forth by the plaintiff, warning that any written statements would be disregarded should these instructions not be met.
“The plaint shall be registered as a suit. Issue summons,” dictated the high court in a statement on Thursday, setting the stage for a rigorous examination of the claims on both sides of the conflict.
Cine 1 Studios, voicing their discontent, allege a gross breach of agreement, claiming they have yet to receive any compensation. Rebuking this accusation, Super Cassettes holds that an amount of Rs 2.6 crore has indeed been disbursed to Cine 1, a transaction they allegedly failed to disclose to the court. However, counsel for Cine 1 Studios contends that the documents shown to substantiate this payment were purportedly fabricated.
The high court has scheduled a session with the Joint Registrar to handle pleadings and exhibit marking on March 15. It has cautioned any party engaged in spuriously denying documents that they will likely face the imposition of costs.
This legal skirmish also encompasses an interim plea from the plaintiff to halt the impending release of ‘Animal’ on various digital and satellite channels, including OTT platforms. In response to this, the high court has tasked the defendants with filing replies by January 20, setting up a subsequent hearing for January 22 to receive arguments from both sides.
Representing Cine 1 Studios, Senior advocate Sandeep Sethi presented the argument that his client remains in the dark regarding revenues from the box office performance, music rights, and other related income streams. “All the money has been collected by Super Cassettes; yet we have not received a single penny. Our earlier relationship and respect for our agreement restrained us from initiating legal action; now, however, we’ve been compelled to turn to the courts,” argued Sethi.
According to their complaint, an agreement between both production houses entailed a 35% share in profit and similar intellectual property rights for Cine 1 Studios in the making of ‘Animal’. Cine 1 Studios alleges that Super Cassettes has failed to comply with the agreement by not divulging cost or revenue details and withholding the financially due profits.
Senior advocate Amit Sibal, representing Super Cassettes, has countered by asserting that Cine 1 Studios had made no monetary contribution to the film’s production; a burden fully shouldered by his client. Sibal drew attention to an amended agreement, which according to him, demonstrated that Cine 1 Studios relinquished their intellectual property rights for a sum of Rs 2.6 crore. He claimed this vital information was intentionally kept from the court’s knowledge.
This complex legal case highlights the intricate and often contentious dealings behind the glitz and glamour of the Indian cinema industry, with high stake rights and revenues poised atop the scales of justice as the Delhi High Court dives into the heart of the dispute.
