Reliance has officially withdrawn its commercial lawsuit aimed at preventing piracy of the film Dhurandhar, bringing an end to the legal proceedings that were initiated as a pre-release protective step. The case was heard by Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, who recorded the withdrawal after Reliance’s legal counsel informed the Court that the company had decided to discontinue the matter.
Following this submission, the Madras High Court dismissed the suit as withdrawn, without imposing any costs, and also closed all related interim applications. The brief order did not mention the reasons behind Reliance’s decision to step back from the case.
Case Filed as Pre-Release Anti-Piracy Measure
Reliance, through its media arm Jio Studios, had filed the suit under the provisions of the Copyright Act, 1957. Its primary goal was to get permanent injunctions in order to prevent illegal cable transmission and unauthorised sharing of Dhurandhar online. These pre-release anti-piracy measures are usually employed by the production houses to safeguard their movies prior to theatrical release.
The company had named a wide range of entities as defendants, including major telecom service providers, internet intermediaries and cable networks. These were BSNL, MTNL, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Tata communications, Sify technologies, Hathway, GTPL Hathway, Asianet Satellite communications, Spectra ISP Networks, and various regional cable operators.
Among the key directions sought, Reliance requested that internet and telecom platforms block access to websites hosting pirated versions of the film after receiving due notice. The demand was also made by pleading that cable operators and other platforms would not permit cam-recording, copying, broadcasting, storing or digital distribution of the movie via cable television, DTH, satellite, online platforms and storage devices.
Earlier, on December 5, the Court had granted interim relief, restraining service providers and cable operators from airing or providing access to any pirated content of Dhurandhar.
However, when the matter came up for hearing again on February 18, Reliance’s counsel formally informed the Bench of the decision to withdraw the case, leading to the closure of the proceedings.
Focus Shifts to Dhurandhar: The Revenge
With the legal chapter now closed, attention has shifted back to the franchise’s upcoming release. The makers are now gearing up to release Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the second installment of the movie franchise. The trailer should be released in a couple of weeks, and the theatrical version will be released on March 19. Reliance was represented in the case by Advocate S. Deepak, instructed by PK Law Firm.
As excitement builds around the sequel, fans are eager to see how the story unfolds, especially with the film gearing up for a major big-screen release.
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