Delhi HC rules in Sourav Ganguly’s favour, orders ‘Doosra’ makers to furnish Rs 2 Crore bank guarantee

The Delhi High Court has ruled in favour of former India captain Sourav Ganguly in the case involving the film Doosra. The court held that the film violated his personality and publicity rights. It directed the filmmakers to follow certain conditions before releasing the film commercially, including submitting an unconditional bank guarantee of Rs 2 crore.

The court also ordered Ramesh Deo Productions Private Limited, the makers of Doosra, to display clear disclaimers in both Hindi and English at the beginning and end of the film. It observed that several aspects of Ganguly's personality and real-life events were closely linked to the film's storyline. Therefore, removing all references associated with the former cricketer would be difficult.

The legal case involves Sourav Ganguly and Luv Films, who raised concerns over the unauthorised use of the former cricketer's identity and personal legacy. The court has also restrained the makers from releasing Doosra on OTT platforms or through any other medium until the required conditions are met.

Delhi HC orders ‘Doosra’ makers to furnish Rs 2 Crore bank guarantee in Sourav Ganguly case

The Delhi High Court has directed the makers of Doosra to deposit a Rs 2 crore bank guarantee over the alleged violation of Sourav Ganguly's personality and publicity rights. The court ordered Ramesh Deo Productions Private Limited to submit an unconditional bank guarantee with the High Court Registrar within two weeks. It also warned that the makers would not be allowed to commercially release the film or any part of it if they failed to follow the conditions.

The court observed that several aspects of Ganguly's personality and important events from his life were closely linked to the film's storyline. Since removing these portions would be difficult, the makers were directed to display clear disclaimers in Hindi and English at the beginning and end of the film. The disclaimers must state that Ganguly did not give permission for the commercial use of his personality and that the film has no official association with or authorisation from him.

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The case was filed by Sourav Ganguly and Luv Films LLP over the alleged unauthorised use of his identity and cricketing legacy in Doosra. Their objections included the film's references to India's famous 2002 NatWest Series final victory against England and Ganguly's shirtless celebration at Lord's. Ganguly had signed an agreement with Luv Films on August 5, 2021, giving the company exclusive rights to develop an authorised biographical film titled Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story. The film is scheduled to release on May 14, 2027. The controversy began after Doosra's trailer and promotional campaign were launched on October 12.

What Justice Tejas Karia said: Personality rights, disclaimer and no stay on screening

Justice Tejas Karia observed that Sourav Ganguly's personality and important events from his cricket career were closely linked to the storyline of Doosra. He said it would not be practical to remove these portions from the film at this stage. The court therefore directed Ramesh Deo Productions Private Limited, the film's makers, to add disclaimers in both Hindi and English at the beginning and end of the movie.

The disclaimers must clearly state that Ganguly did not give permission for the use of his personality in the film. They must also clarify that the movie does not intend to violate his personality or publicity rights. The court has given the filmmakers two days to follow this direction.

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As an additional condition, Justice Karia directed the producers to submit an unconditional bank guarantee of Rs 2 crore to the High Court Registrar within two weeks. He also warned that failure to follow any of the court's directions would prevent the makers from commercially exploiting the film or any part of it.

What happens next for ‘Doosra’ and Ganguly’s biopic ‘Dada’ starring Rajkummar Rao

Meanwhile, another film based on Sourav Ganguly’s life is also in the making. Titled Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story, the biographical drama is scheduled to release in theatres on May 14, 2027.

The film stars Rajkummar Rao as Sourav Ganguly and is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane. It is produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg under the banner of Luv Films.

The two films are now drawing attention as Doosra faces a legal dispute over Ganguly’s personality rights, while Dada is being developed as an authorised biopic of the former India captain.