Kerala court stays release of 'Mohanlal' over plagiarism allegation

Director Kalavoor Ravikumar had moved court saying that the film was based on his short story.
Kerala court stays release of 'Mohanlal' over plagiarism allegation
Kerala court stays release of 'Mohanlal' over plagiarism allegation
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With just days left for the release of the much-awaited and hyped Malayalam film Mohanlal, a plagiarism allegation may cost the filmmakers heavily. 

A Kerala court on Wednesday issued a stay on the release of the film, after director Kalavoor Ravikumar filed an injunction petition alleging that the filmmakers of Mohanlal had plagiarised his short story. 

Allowing Ravikumar's injunction seeking a 25% share of the film's profit, the court stalled the release of Mohanlal that was scheduled for this weekend. 

Confirming the news to TNM, Ravikumar's lawyer Prasanth said that the only way in which the filmmakers can vacate the stay, was by moving a higher court. 

However, he said that the filmmakers have expressed willingness for an out-of-court settlement. 

The film's director Sajid Yahiya, however, told TNM that the movie will release as per schedule. 

"We are trying to sort it out soon. We are in talks with them. We hope to release the film on the scheduled date," Sajid said. 

The plagiarism allegation was made in 2016, way before the shooting of the film commenced. 

Ravikumar has alleged that director Sajid Yahiya's upcoming film titled Mohanlal is based on this short story titled Mohanlaline Enikkippo Bhayankara Pediyanu (I am scared of Mohanlal). Sajid, however, had consistently denied this.

Although Ravikumar approached FEFKA with the issue, the row could not be resolved. Following this, when the filmmakers were gearing up for the release, he moved court in Thrissur. 

He sought a stay on the release of the film. He has alleged that the makers of the film have lifted his short story without his consent and has filed an injunction suite under section 54 of the Copyright Act.

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