Mumbai: A fresh controversy has emerged in the film industry, with filmmaker Aditya Dhar and writer Santosh Kumar locked in a dispute over alleged script theft related to Dhurandhar 2.
The issue has escalated into a potential legal battle, with both sides presenting conflicting claims and preparing for court action.
Filmmaker denies allegations
According to sources, Aditya Dhar has strongly refuted the allegations through his legal team and has warned of further legal action.
A source stated that Dhar has issued a communication asking Santosh Kumar to refrain from making what he termed as “false claims”. The filmmaker is reportedly considering initiating formal legal proceedings if the allegations persist.
The development signals that the dispute may soon move into the courtroom, with Dhar seeking to protect his professional reputation and the film’s credibility.
Writer disputes legal notice claim
Santosh Kumar, however, has denied receiving any formal legal notice. He claimed that the communication from Dhar’s side was merely a reply to his email and not an official notice.
He further alleged that he was being pressured to remain silent and accused the filmmaker’s team of attempting to intimidate him.
“I told them I am going legal, so don’t send me messages, come to court,” he reportedly said, asserting his intent to pursue the matter legally.
Allegations of script ownership
In a video shared on social media, Santosh Kumar claimed that Dhurandhar 2 is based on his original script developed in 2023.
He stated that he had pitched the story to multiple production houses, including major studios, in an effort to secure backing and cast actors.
The writer also claimed that he had registered the script with the Screenwriter Association in November 2023 and possesses supporting documents, including emails, drafts, and concept materials.
Attempts to contact production houses
Santosh Kumar alleged that he tried reaching out to the filmmaker and associated production companies but did not receive direct engagement.
He said that when he approached Jio Studios, he was redirected to another entity involved in the project.
According to him, this lack of response further strengthened his decision to take legal action against those involved in the film.
Claims of narrative alteration
The writer also accused the makers of altering the essence of his story, claiming it had been transformed into something he did not intend.
He alleged that what was originally conceived as a cinematic narrative was turned into a politically driven storyline, which he said was distressing.
Santosh Kumar emphasised that his intention was not to oppose the film’s success but to seek recognition and accountability for what he believes is his intellectual property.
Wider concerns in the industry
The controversy has once again brought attention to concerns surrounding intellectual property rights in the film industry, particularly for emerging writers.
Santosh Kumar highlighted what he described as a broader pattern where aspiring writers struggle to protect their work after sharing it with production houses.
He said that many newcomers enter the industry with hope but often lack the safeguards needed to prevent misuse of their creative material.
Conclusion
With both Aditya Dhar and Santosh Kumar standing firm on their claims, the dispute appears set to move towards legal proceedings. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for how intellectual property disputes are handled in the Indian film industry.
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