New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has issued a directive to the filmmakers of the Rajnikanth-starrer movie “Jailer,” stipulating that starting from September 1, none of the theaters should display the jersey of the IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in any form. This comes in response to a scene in the film where a contract killer is depicted wearing the RCB team jersey.
Regarding the film’s release on television, satellite, or any OTT platform, Justice Prathiba M Singh has ordered that an altered version of the movie should be broadcasted or telecasted prior to such releases.
Justice Singh’s decision was based on a lawsuit filed by the IPL team, Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited, against the filmmakers. The IPL team raised concerns about scenes in which its jersey was used in a derogatory manner. The contract killer wearing the RCB jersey reportedly made disparaging and misogynistic remarks about a woman in the movie. The RCB contended that the unauthorized use of the jersey in a negative context could damage its brand image and harm its brand equity.
The court observed that after the filing of the lawsuit, the filmmakers and the IPL team engaged in discussions and resolved their disputes. Both parties agreed that the filmmakers would alter the scenes featuring the team jersey to ensure that it is not identifiable as the RCB jersey. This alteration includes removing the primary colors of the RCB jersey and any branding of sponsors present on it.
Additionally, it was resolved that the film’s producers would carry out the necessary alterations before releasing the movie on television, satellite, or any OTT platform.
Since the film “Jailer” was already released in theaters on August 10, 2023, the filmmakers are required to make the alterations for theatrical showings by September 1, 2023, as part of the settlement.
Justice Singh has mandated that the filmmakers and all involved parties adhere to the terms and conditions agreed upon by both sides. Due to the settlement reached on the first hearing of the case, the court has directed the full court fee to be refunded to the plaintiff through their counsel.
Advocates Majumder, Priya Adlakha, and Vardaan Anand represented the plaintiff, while advocates Deepak Biswas, Harsh Buch, and Srishti Gupta appeared on behalf of the defendants.
