Bollywood’s suspense maestro Sujoy Ghosh has emerged triumphant from a protracted copyright tussle over ‘Kahaani 2’. The Supreme Court on March 20 delivered a decisive blow to the plaintiff’s claims, scrapping the 2018 case that accused the director of lifting a story idea without consent.
Writer Umesh Mehta had approached Hazaribagh’s Chief Judicial Magistrate, alleging that Ghosh used his 2015 story ‘Sabak’ for the film without authorization. Despite initial summons and a rebuff from Jharkhand High Court, Ghosh persisted with appeals. The Supreme Court, in prior hearings, had stayed his court appearances and sought responses, paving the way for this dismissal.
The saga highlights the vulnerabilities of oral story pitches in the film industry. Mehta’s narrative reportedly mirrored elements in ‘Kahaani 2’, where Vidya Balan portrays a determined mother solving a child abduction case amid twists and high stakes.
A commercial success, the movie recovered its Rs 25 crore investment manifold, raking in Rs 45 crore globally. Balan’s nuanced act drew accolades, building on the franchise’s legacy from the 2012 blockbuster that showcased her solo stardom.
Ghosh’s legal win reinforces judicial scrutiny in IP disputes, ensuring creators aren’t unduly hampered. As the industry grapples with similar lawsuits, this outcome offers reassurance, allowing innovation to thrive unchecked by baseless litigations. Fans await Ghosh’s next venture, buoyed by this clearance.