Mumbai, August 5th, 2023: The eagerly anticipated Randeep Hooda starrer “Swatantra Veer Savarkar,” a biographical film on the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, has found itself embroiled in a legal dispute concerning its ownership. The film marks a significant milestone for Randeep Hooda as he makes his directorial debut while also portraying the lead character. However, the project’s journey has taken an unexpected turn, with conflicting claims over its ownership.
Initially announced with Randeep Hooda as the co-producer alongside Anand Pandit and Sandeep Singh as producers, the film’s development seemed to be on track. Yet, recent events have brought to light differing perspectives on the matter. Randeep Hooda’s legal representation, Karan Halai of M/s Halai and Co Advocates and Legal Consultants, has issued a statement asserting Randeep’s exclusive ownership of the film.
In this statement, Hooda’s camp highlights the challenges and sacrifices the actor-director faced during the filmmaking process. It outlines his dedication, both physically and mentally, including substantial weight loss, to authentically embody the character of Veer Savarkar. The statement firmly claims that all intellectual property rights for the film rest solely with Randeep Hooda. This declaration is fueled by a desire to ensure the timely release of the film, given the public’s anticipation of witnessing the portrayal of one of India’s esteemed freedom fighters.
On the opposing side, advocate Ravi Suryawanshi, representing Sandeep Singh and Anand Pandit, has countered Randeep Hooda’s claims with a vigorous rebuttal. According to Singh and Pandit’s legal representation, they hold the exclusive rights to 100 percent of the film’s Intellectual Property and its associated exploitation rights. Expressing astonishment at Hooda’s assertions, they categorically label them as false and unfounded.
In response to the situation, Sandeep Singh and Anand Pandit are preparing to initiate legal action against Randeep Hooda. This action will encompass both civil and criminal proceedings, aimed at addressing the ownership dispute and finding a resolution to the conflict.
As the legal showdown unfolds, the fate of “Swatantra Veer Savarkar” remains uncertain. This unexpected twist in the narrative highlights the complexities involved in the entertainment industry, where creative projects can be marred by disagreements over ownership and rights. The incident underscores the importance of having clear contractual agreements and legal safeguards in place from the outset of such collaborations to prevent such disputes and ensure a smoother creative process.
