HC refuses to stay release of 'Don 2' for copyright violation

The suit, filed by Nariman Films and Irani family, the makers of original 1978 film "Don" starring Amitabh Bachchan, had prayed that the new "Don 2" had violated copyrights by adopting the "Don" signature tune, songs of the original movie and also copying its script, characters and music.

Hearing the plaintiffs and defendants, Justice S F Vajifdar said, he could not grant a stay on the release of "Don 2" as theatre owners were not before the court.

The court gave this ruling while taking into consideration that the film was to be released on December 21 overseas and December 23 in India, for which, bookings had already been undertaking in theatres across the country.

In the suit, the plaintiffs have also demanded damages to the tune of Rs 200 crore.

While the court is yet to decide on the damages, the judge today ordered the makers of "Don 2" to maintain and preserve all the accounts relating to the film till the matter was finally disposed of.

The film is jointly produced by Akhtar, Shah Rukh and Sidhwani.
Outside the court, lawyers for the plaintiffs, Harsh Khanna and Arvind Jain, said they might file an appeal before a division bench tomorrow for relief.