'Ghajini' runs into rough weather, Madras HC stays release

CHENNAI/MUMBAI: The release of the much-hyped "Ghajini" starring Aamir Khan on Thursday ran into trouble over alleged copyright violation with the Madras High Court staying its screening and a separate petition seeking similar action was moved in Bombay High Court.

The interim injunction in Chennai was granted by Justice P R Shivakumar on a civil suit filed by A Chandrasekharan, claiming to be the copyright holder for remaking and dubbing of the Tamil film.

In Mumbai, KBC Pictures, a lesser-known company, approached the High Court, claiming it possesses copyright to the story and screenplay of the film and sought a stay on the movie's release.

The petition was filed on Monday and would come up for hearing on Wednesday.

On the other hand, Chandrasekharan claimed he had only parted with the Chennai city rights, Telugu remake and dubbing rights and satellite rights and retained all other rights of "Ghajini".

He contended that in April he had come to know that the Chennai-based Geetha Arts Division of Allu Entertainment Pvt Ltd, the producers, and director A R Murugadoss were contemplating production of the film in Hindi and were negotiating with persons in Bollywood.

He stated that he was 'surprised, shocked and perplexed' as to how Geetha Arts and Murugadoss could entertain any idea of producing the film in Hindi when they had not been given any rights for the same.