Bombay High Court Blocks ‘Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar’ Release Over Karan Johar’s Rights
The Bombay High Court has refused to lift a stay on the release of the film Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar, delivering a win for filmmaker Karan Johar. On Friday, Justice Riyaz Chagla ruled that the movie’s title violates Johar’s personality and publicity rights, keeping the restriction in place until the legal battle wraps up.
The decision stems from a lawsuit Johar filed in June 2024 against the film’s producers, IndiaPride Advisory, writer Sanjay Singh, and director Bablu Singh. He argued that the title exploits his name, misleading people into thinking he’s linked to the project. The court agreed, issuing a stay on June 13, 2024, barring the filmmakers from using “Karan Johar” in the title or promotions.
Justice Chagla emphasized a “strong prima facie case” of rights violation. “The filmmakers are using Johar’s brand name to profit off his goodwill,” the judge said, adding that lifting the stay would cause “irreparable injury” to Johar’s reputation. The court noted that the title’s wording—pairing “Karan” and “Johar” with “Director”—clearly points to the famous Bollywood figure, known for hits like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
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The filmmakers recently tried to get the stay lifted, suggesting a tweak to Karan Aur Johar. But the court wasn’t convinced. Justice Chagla pointed out that even with “Aur” added, a Google search still ties the phrase to Johar, proving the confusion persists. “This isn’t enough to protect intellectual property rights,” he ruled, rejecting the change.
Johar, a household name in Indian cinema, argued the unauthorized use harms his privacy and brand, built over decades. The filmmakers’ bid to ride his fame, he said, crosses legal lines. Friday’s ruling reinforces that stance, keeping the film on hold.
For now, Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar remains shelved. The case highlights the growing importance of personality rights in India, especially for celebrities. As Johar’s lawsuit moves forward, this standoff could set a precedent for how names are used in entertainment.
