'Kantara' makers get anticipatory bail: Told not to exhibit song, 'Varaharoopam' song

Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to 'Kantara' director and producer in plagiarism case.

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 09: Actor-director Rishab Shetty and producer Vijay Kiragandur have been granted anticipatory bail by the Kerala High Court in plagiarism case over 'Varaharoopam' song in blockbuster film 'Kantara'.

However, Justice A Badharudeen granted the bail on the condition that the song should not be used till an interim order is passed on the issue. "The petitioners shall not exhibit the film KANTARA' along with the music VARAHAROOPAM' in the film till an interim order or final order after addressing infringement of copyright in this matter will be passed by a competent civil court. It is made specifically clear that the petitioners also can move before the competent civil court at their instance at the earliest in this regard to have a meritorious decision as regards to the allegation of infringement of copyright, as per law," the court said, according to a report in Live Law website.

Shetty and Kiragandur are named as accused in crime No.703/2022 of Kozhikode Town Police Station under the Copyright Act 1956 over plagiarism allegations relating to "Varaharoopam" song, the report said.

According to the petitioners, 'Varaharoopam' song is unauthorised copy of the "Navarasam" song, performed by Thaikkudam Bridge band in KAPPA' TV owned by Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Co. Ltd.

However, the makers of 'Varaharoopam' denied the allegations, saying that it is an independent composition and has no connection with the 'Navarasam' song.

Both the director and the producer have claimed that there were two civil suits against the song over copyright infringement and both courts have found the suits to be not maintainable.

'Varaharoopam' was one of the highlights of 'Kantara'. The movie is produced by Hombale Films and actor Rishab Shetty directed the movie. The controversial song was composed by Ajaneesh Loknath.

'Kantara' was one of the biggest box-office hits of 2022. The movie was first released in Kannada. Following its success, the makers dubbed the movie in other languages.

It reportedly made over Rs 400 crore at the worldwide box office.