Renowned Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar has approached the Bombay High Court to prevent the makers of the Hindi film “Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar” from using his name in the film’s title. The plea, filed on June 12, 2024, seeks an urgent stay on the film’s release, which is scheduled for June 14, 2024.
Karan Johar’s legal team has requested a permanent restriction and restraining order against the producers, IndiaPride Advisory and Sanjay Singh, as well as the writer-director Bablu Singh. The plea was presented before Justice RI Chagla, who agreed to hear the case on June 13.
Johar argues that the film’s title directly references his name, infringing on his personal rights and his rights to publicity and privacy. He claims that the unauthorized use of his name is an attempt to exploit his goodwill and reputation. The promotional materials for the film, including trailers and posters, have already been distributed in public areas and on social media, causing significant damage to his reputation.
The suit states that the promotional assets are causing irreparable harm to Johar’s goodwill. “These trailers and posters have caused and are continuing to cause irreparable loss and damage to the goodwill and reputation of Johar. Further, such a release of the film with the title containing his brand name ‘Karan Johar,’ together or in parts, will cause irreparable loss and damage to the goodwill and reputation which he has gained after investing huge amounts of time, effort, and money,” the suit reads.
On the professional front, Karan Johar is currently preparing for the release of his next film, “Kill,” in his capacity as a producer. The film premiered last year at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The trailer for “Kill” was released recently, and the film, directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, stars Raghav Juyal, Lakshay Lalwani, and Tanya Maniktala. It is set to hit theaters on July 5.
The legal battle over the use of Karan Johar’s name in the film title has garnered significant attention, highlighting the importance of protecting personal rights and reputations in the entertainment industry.
