Netflix Hit with Rs 25 Crore Lawsuit Over ‘Hera Pheri’ Character Theft
Producer Nadiadwala sues Netflix for using ‘Hera Pheri’ character without permission.
Film producer Firoz Nadiadwala has taken legal action against streaming giant Netflix, alleging unauthorized use of the beloved character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, popularly known as Babu Bhaiya, from the 2000 cult comedy “Hera Pheri.” In a legal notice issued on Thursday, Nadiadwala demanded Rs 25 crore in damages for what he claims is an infringement of intellectual property rights on Netflix’s “The Great Indian Kapil Show.”
The notice, sent through advocate Sana Raees Khan, accuses Netflix of featuring the character, portrayed by actor Kiku Sharda in an upcoming episode of the comedy show hosted by Kapil Sharma, without permission. The character of Baburao, originally played by Paresh Rawal in the hit film directed by Priyadarshan and written by Neeraj Vora, is described as “exclusively conceived, developed, and produced” under Nadiadwala’s creative and commercial authority.
Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, with his distinctive persona, dialogues, and mannerisms, has achieved iconic status in Indian cinema, enjoying widespread cult recognition. The notice further highlights that the character’s name is a registered trademark, strengthening Nadiadwala’s claim. “The unauthorized use of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte violates intellectual property rights and undermines the character’s legacy,” the notice stated.
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Nadiadwala has given Netflix a two-day ultimatum to address the issue, warning of both civil and criminal legal action if the streaming platform fails to comply. Representatives from Netflix were unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.
“Hera Pheri,” starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, remains one of Indian cinema’s most cherished comedies, with Baburao’s quirky dialogues and comedic timing cementing his place in pop culture. The legal dispute raises questions about the protection of intellectual property in the digital age, particularly for iconic characters that resonate deeply with audiences.
As the controversy unfolds, the film industry and fans alike await Netflix’s response to Nadiadwala’s demands. The outcome of this legal battle could set a significant precedent for how intellectual property rights are enforced in India’s rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
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