Dinesh Vijan, Bhushan Kumar: We reject suggestions of Raabta being copy of Magadheera

Geeta Arts, the producers of SS Rajamouli’s Telugu blockbuster Magadheera (2009) recently went to court against Dinesh Vijan’s Raabta. They have alleged that the plot of the Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon-starrer has been copied from their film. 

Now, Vijan and T-Series’ Bhushan Kumar, the producers of Raabta, have issued a statement refuting all allegations of plagiarism levied against their film. They have said that they have not yet received in writing from the Telugu film producers. “We would like to, however, categorically reject even the remotest of suggestions that our film is a copy of Magadheera,” they said. The statement was shared by veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh on Twitter. 

Raabta’s producers are also deeply hurt by the allegations. “We find it extremely unsavoury and disrespectful when people from the industry belittle someone’s hard work by using words like ‘copied,’ ‘plagiarised’ nonchalantly and jump to conclusions merely on the basis of a 2 minute and 14 second trailer, without verifying the facts or waiting for the film to release for the public to give its verdict,” the statement further read. 

They also pointed out that there is no copyright law against ideas and plot. "No one can claim copyright in ideas and plots has been the very essence of copyright law in India for decades (sic).”

Lastly, they are hoping that the matter will be solved once the court intervenes on 1 June. “The matter will now come up before the court on 1 June 2017. We hope that the court will uphold its view and promote creative expression.”