Amar Chitra Katha and Malayalam film Shikkari Shambu settle copyright infringement case

The makers of the Malayalam film, Shikkari Shambhu, ran into trouble with the comic book publication Amar Chitra Katha. The publication sued the makers for copyright violations on 7 February, objecting to the title of the film being named after a character from their comics. 

The petition, filed with the Bombay high court, named the production house, Angel Maria Cinemas as the main accused. 

The film, which stars Kunchacko Boban in the lead, is based around a gang of misfits who try to take on the job of hunting a man-eater terrorising a village in Kerala. 

In the petition, Amar Chitra Katha accused the film's producer, SK Lawrence, of taking the trademarked 'Shikari Shambhu' name and passing it off as their own. The petition came a few days after the film was release on 20 January. 

The NewsMinute.com reported that the court had disposed the petition by directing the producers to pay a sum of Rs10 lakh to the publication, in order to acquire a copyright license.

Shikari Shambhu, a very popular comic book character, was launched in 1983, in the comic book, Tinkle. The character was created by Vasant Halbe and Luis Fernandes for the comic book.

The media house, owned by ACK Media, had issued a cease and desist order to the producers in October over the usage of the name.

According to the petition, a series of negotiations were carried between the two parties over November and December 2017. During this time, the producers had suggested that the film might be ready for a March or April release. However, before a conclusion could be reached, the film made its way to the theatres on 20 January. 

The makers have since paid the sum to the publication house, ensuring a smooth continuation of the film in theatres.