Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana gets into legal trouble, deets inside

The focus lies on the purported ownership of the 'Project Ramayana' screenplay and associated content.

Ranbir Kapoor's highly anticipated film 'Ramayana' has encountered legal challenges due to a dispute over intellectual property rights. Allu Mantena Media Ventures LLP, the production company behind the movie, is currently embroiled in a conflict with Prime Focus Technologies Limited.

The issue centers around the alleged rights to the use of the 'Project Ramayana' script and related material. According to a public notice issued by Allu Mantena Media Ventures LLP, Prime Focus Technologies Limited initiated negotiations in April 2024 to acquire these intellectual property rights but failed to complete the necessary payment to formalize the agreement.

Consequently, Allu Mantena Media Ventures LLP claims that the rights to 'Project Ramayana' continue to belong to them, and any use or exploitation of the script or material by Prime Focus Technologies Limited or any affiliated entities would constitute an infringement of their copyright. The notice also states that Prime Focus Technologies Limited has no right, title, or interest in the 'Project Ramayana' material. The production company has expressed its intention to take legal action to protect its rights if necessary.

The legal trouble could potentially delay the progress of the film, which is already under production with high expectations. 'Ramayana,' directed by Nitesh Tiwari, features Ranbir Kapoor in the role of Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita. This adaptation of the ancient Indian epic aims to bring a fresh perspective to the story, and it includes high-profile actors and significant investment in production quality.

This legal situation underscores the complexities often involved in film production, particularly when dealing with adaptations of popular or historical texts. Intellectual property rights are a critical aspect of the film industry, ensuring that creators and investors receive recognition and compensation for their contributions. The resolution of this dispute will be crucial for the timely release of 'Ramayana,' which has already garnered significant public and media interest.

If the parties involved manage to resolve their differences and proceed with the production, 'Ramayana' could be a major cinematic event, given its epic scope and the involvement of popular actors. Fans and industry watchers will be keenly observing how this legal challenge unfolds and what impact it will have on the future of this high-stakes project.