Sarkar 3 accused of Copyright Infringement

Just a week away from its release, Amitabh Bachchan starrer Sarkar 3 is in deep legal trouble. According to a recent report, the rights of the ‘Sarkar’ franchise had been bought by Narendra Hirawat & Co. after the release of the second instalment.

Hirawat has acquired copyrights of all the parts and any remake of the movie would require their permission. However, the makers of Sarkar 3 failed to do so.

Shreyas Hirawat, Executive Head of Narendra Hirawat & Co. confirmed the news saying, “We are extremely disappointed with this move from the producers of ‘Sarkar 3’. As a cautionary step, we even issued a notice to the makers in October 2016, but they have still failed to obtain permission from us for the release of the movie”.

“We bought all the legal rights of ‘Sarkar’ franchise years ago and are left with no other option than to approach the high court. Looking at the current situation, we are hopeful that the court will grant an injunction and subsequently stop the release of ‘Sarkar 3’,” added Hirawat.

However, a statement has been issued by Sarkar 3’s production house which sheds light on the entire issue. It reads “The press release issued by Narendra Hirawat & Co is not only distasteful, represents false facts but also against the law. The matter is currently sub-judice before the Bombay High Court. The press release falsely states that Narendra Hirawat & Co owns the prequel and sequel rights to movie ‘Sarkar’ along with remake rights. Narendra Hirawat’s own case before the Bombay High Court is that they are the assignees of only the remake rights of ‘Sarkar’ and nothing else.”

 It further emphasizes on the sequel issue and states that Sarkar 3 is not a remake but a sequel and Narendra Hirawat & Co has no rights over it!

It reads “However, this position is absolutely wrong. As is widely known, the story in all three movies has been progressing and thus, movie ‘Sarkar 3’ is a sequel to the film ‘Sarkar Raj’ and not a remake of ‘Sarkar’.”

Let’s hope the movie doesn’t get stalled due to this issue!