Civil court refuses to stop Rajinikanth movie production

Chennai: Refusing to stall production work relating to superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming flick, ‘Kaala — Karikala’, a city civil court has directed a petitioner opposing the film to approach Madras high court.

The petitioner K. Rajashekaran of GSR Vinmeen Creations claimed that the title and story of ‘Karikalan’ belonged to him and sought directions to Rajinikanth, director Pa Ranjith, producer Dhanush of Wunderbar Films Private Limited, South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce (SIFCC) to stop filming. The title, plot and story of ‘Karikalan’ belonged to him and he registered the title “Karikalan” with SIFCC, the petitioner said.

However, Vinod Kumar, executive director, Wunderbar Films, on behalf of Rajinikanth, Wunderbar Films and Pa Ranjith, replied that film story was penned by Pa Ranjith. It was a story of an underworld gang leader in Mumbai named ‘Karikalan’. Ranjith approached Wunderbar Films to produce the film based on his story with Rajnikanth in the lead role.

Vinod Kumar said, “K. Rajashekaran is a complete stranger and present suit is not maintainable. Rajashekaran never revealed his story to Rajinikanth.  Kaala has no connection with the petitioner’s alleged story - Karikalan except name of Rajinikanth’s character in the film. Having lost his alleged title, he cannot seek any relief against the movie. The title of the movie is different from title of Rajashekaran. He has no locus standi to seek any relief against the movie. In his own pleadings he disclosed that title registration lapsed”. The film has been protected under Copyright Act. Hence, he cannot seek any remedy, Vinod Kumar added.

Earlier, Rajasekaran submitted photographs of his meeting with Rajinikanth. When the matter came up for hearing before IV Assistant Judge, M.Elangovan on Tuesday, the judge directed the petitioner to approach Madras high court to seek relief and directed him to withdraw the petition in two weeks.