Shankar responds to legal dispute over Ranveer Singh’s ‘Anniyan’

Just days after the remake of ‘Anniyan’ (2005) was announced, producer V Ravichandran has sent a legal notice to the film’s maker, Shankar. The Hindi remake will be starring Ranveer Singh.

As cited in The Indian Express, the producer of Ascar Films said, “I am utterly shocked to know, that, you are likely to undertake the Direction of a Hindi film by adopting the story of the movie Anniyan. You are well aware of the fact that, I am the Producer of the said movie Anniyan. The entire story rights was purchased by me from the writer Sujatha (alias late Rangarajan) for which full payment was done by me to him and necessary records are also available. I am the whole and sole owner of the rights of the storyline. As such, any such adoption or remaking or copying the main plot of the said movie, without my permission, is totally illegal (sic).”

He added, “Further I wish to remind you that after the not so successful film namely ‘BOYS’ directed by you, you were under severe stress due to dented image. Still I have provided you the opportunity to Direct the film Anniyan, after which you have regained the lost ground, only because of my support. It is a sorry state of affairs that you have conveniently forgotten the same and without even informing me, you have tried to reap the accolades of my successful movie ‘Anniyan’ by associating yourself and adaptation of Hindi version of the same. I am sure you always maintain certain ethical values, hence I wonder how can you stoop to a low level by resorting to such unlawful acts (sic).”

Rebutting the claims, Shankar said, “I am shocked to receive your mail dated 14.04.2021 stating that you own the storyline of the movie Anniyan.”

“In this context, I submit that the movie was released in the year 2005 and everyone associated with the movie were aware that the script and storyline belongs exclusively to me and in fact the movie was released with the tag: Story, Screenplay and Direction by Shankar. I have not assigned in writing any script or screenplay to any person, and continue to retain the right to exploit the script in any manner I deem fit. As the admitted author of the literary work, my rights cannot be interfered with under any circumstances.”

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