Makers of Anupam Kher-starrer Hotel Mumbai ask to be kept out of TWC bankruptcy auctions

The makers of Hotel Mumbai, starring Anupam Kher and Dev Patel, have filed a legal motion asking to keep their film out of the bankruptcy sales of The Weinstein Company (TWC). The film was initially included as part of the assets on sale after the company went bankrupt last month.

Also starring Armie Hammer, Hotel Mumbai is based on the infamous terrorist attacks in Mumbai in 2008, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 civilians. Directed by Anthony Maras, the film revolves around the real life experiences of individuals who witnessed the attacks in person.

The Weinstein Company, one of the many producers of the project, filed for bankruptcy last month following the controversy of co-founder, Harvey Weinstein, sexually molesting several actresses in Hollywood.

The makers, however, maintain that they had rescinded the contract with The Weinstein Company following the increasing complaints emerging against Weinstein.

"Hotel Mumbai’s biggest concern is preserving the picture’s value and honoring its subject matter as best as possible, especially in light of the recently-revealed devastating and horrific allegations regarding Harvey Weinstein’s long history of sexual abuse and rape, among other things, and the impact Mr Weinstein’s conduct has had on the previously stellar reputation of TWC and on TWC’s ability to operate its business," variety.com quoted the legal filing.  

Maura J Wogan, attorney to the producers, had written a letter to the then COO of The Weinstein Company (David Glasser) on 14 February citing that the accusations against Weinstein are reasons enough for the termination of the contract. While Glasser promised a response within a week, he was fired from the company on 16 February. This resulted in no further communication between the parties.

The makers of Hotel Mumbai also suggest that The Weinstein Company had promised over $10 million to promote and advertise the film after its completion. The film is expected to be completed by 30 April, and be ready to be released by October-November.

The film is among several other properties included in the auction sale. The Current Wars, starring Benedict Cumberbatch; and The Upside, a comedy starring Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston; are two of the others in the auction list.