Delhi High Court moves to protect the personality rights of Sonakshi Sinha amid AI misuse concerns

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The Delhi High Court on Friday indicated that it would issue an interim direction to safeguard the personality rights of Bollywood actor Sonakshi Sinha. The matter was heard by Justice Jyoti Singh, who was considering an application filed by the actor seeking an injunction against alleged misuse of her identity.

During the proceedings, the court asked for specific instances of infringement. In response, the counsel representing Sinha pointed to the unauthorised use of her persona and characteristics by certain AI chatbots. Taking note of the submission, the court directed the legal team to provide a soft copy of the alleged infringing links. It also permitted the filing of additional documents in a sealed cover within two days. The case has now been scheduled for further hearing on July 6.

This development follows a recent order by the same court granting protection to the personality rights of Ramdev, founder of Patanjali Ayurved, through a John Doe directive. Over time, coordinate benches of the High Court have passed similar rulings in favour of several public figures across fields.

Among those who have received such legal protection are singer Jubin Nautiyal, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, and actors Kajol, R. Madhavan and N. T. Rama Rao Jr. Actor Salman Khan has also approached the court with a similar plea.

The High Court has, in separate cases, extended protection to spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar of The Art of Living Foundation, Telugu actor Nagarjuna, as well as Bollywood actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and filmmaker Karan Johar.

In another recent instance, journalist Sudhir Chaudhary was granted relief after raising concerns over misleading AI-generated videos circulating online. Similarly, a John Doe order was issued in favour of podcaster Raj Shamani, with the court recognising his prominence in the digital content space.

Sonakshi Sinha, who made her Bollywood debut with Dabangg opposite Salman Khan, has since featured in several commercial and content-driven films including Rowdy Rathore, Mission Mangal with her recent success being in the web-series Heeramandi in which she essayed a double role. Known for balancing mainstream entertainers with performance-oriented roles, the actor has built a steady presence in the industry, making the protection of her identity and likeness increasingly significant in the evolving digital landscape.

Also Read: System first look out: Sonakshi Sinha, Jyotika headline courtroom drama on Prime Video, watch

Supreme Court quashes copyright case against Sujoy Ghosh over Kahaani 2, calls allegations baseless

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In a significant relief for filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh, the Supreme Court of India has set aside criminal proceedings initiated against him in a copyright infringement case linked to his 2016 film Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh.

According to a report by Bar and Bench, a Bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe observed that the complaint lacked substance and failed to establish even a basic comparison between the two works in question. The court noted that the allegations were vague and unsupported, with no clear indication of how the film resembled the complainant’s script.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Umesh Prasad Mehta, who alleged that his script titled Sabak had been copied for the film. He claimed to have shared his work with Ghosh in 2015. Acting on this complaint, a magistrate court in Hazaribagh had issued summons in 2018 under provisions of the Copyright Act. Later, the Jharkhand High Court declined to quash the case, stating that the matter warranted trial.

Ghosh subsequently moved the apex court, where his counsel, Senior Advocate Siddhartha Dave, argued that the complaint did not provide any material evidence demonstrating similarity between the scripts and that the proceedings were a misuse of legal process.

The Supreme Court agreed with these submissions, pointing out that both the magistrate’s summoning order and the High Court’s decision showed a lack of proper judicial consideration. It also highlighted that witness statements presented by the complainant did not establish that any part of the script had been copied.

A key factor in the ruling was the finding of the Screen Writers Association’s Dispute Settlement Committee, which had earlier concluded that there was no resemblance between the two works. The court noted that this crucial detail had not been disclosed to the magistrate at the time of issuing summons.

Additionally, the Bench underscored that Ghosh’s script for Kahaani 2 had been registered well before the complainant’s script was created, making the allegation of infringement untenable.

Reiterating that courts must guard against frivolous or malicious litigation, the apex court emphasized the need to examine surrounding circumstances in such cases to prevent misuse of criminal law. It ultimately set aside both the summoning order and the High Court’s ruling, bringing an end to the proceedings pending before the trial court.

The case was argued on behalf of Sujoy Ghosh by Senior Advocate Siddhartha Dave, assisted by a team of advocates. As for Ghosh’s 2016 thriller Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh, it is a Vidya Balan-led film that revolves around a woman living under an assumed identity while protecting a child, unfolding into a layered narrative of crime, abuse, and hidden pasts. Also starring Arjun Rampal and Jugal Hansraj in key roles, the film was expected to be a spiritual sequel to the 2012 blockbuster Kahaani.

Also Read: “No one claimed it’s original”: Sujoy Ghosh REACTS to music criticism in Dhurandhar trailer

SCOOP: Salman Khan aims to return to Eid with Dil Raju and Vamshi's action entertainer in 2027

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Eid is synonymous with Salman Khan, as over the years, the superstar has played a major role in making the festival a lucrative period. While today, actors are reaping the benefits of the date, once upon a time, it was never considered to be a festive window for Hindi films. It's Wanted followed by Dabangg that changed the tide for the same. This year is going without a Salman Khan release, but reliable sources inform that the superstar is aiming at the festive period of Eid for his next feature film.

"Salman Khan is in talks with Dil Raju and Vamshi Padilpally to plan their schedules in a way that an Eid 2027 release becomes a reality. The producer - director duo is contemplating the option, and plan to get back to Salman with a plan soon," revealed a source to Bollywood Hungama. The source further informs that the film in question is an action-packed entertainer with a strong emotional core.

"It's a pure commercial entertainer with Salman Khan playing to the gallery. Vamshi plans to present Salman in a way audiences like to see him. The pre-production is going on in full swing, and the makers aim to take the film on floors in April," the source added.

The film will be shot all across the country starting in April, and there is ample VFX work involved. All the aspects are being looked at at the moment, before they decide on announcing. The film will, however, be released in the first half of 2027, and that's a promise made by the producer to Salman.

Also Read: Maatrubhumi song ‘Chand Dekh Lena’ out ahead of Eid 2026: Salman Khan, Chitrangada Singh highlight love and longing in new track

Madras High Court restrains illegal broadcast of Dhurandhar The Revenge till April 15

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The Madras High Court on Wednesday passed an ad interim injunction restraining internet service providers and cable TV operators from unlawfully broadcasting Dhurandhar The Revenge ahead of its theatrical release on March 19, 2026.

Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy issued the order while hearing applications filed by Reliance Industries Limited and its media arm Jio Studios. The producers had approached the court seeking urgent protection against potential copyright infringement.

In its plea, Reliance alleged that several intermediaries, including internet service providers and cable TV operators, may illegally stream or transmit the film without authorisation. The company also submitted the certification issued by the Central Board of Film Certification, identifying it as the producer of the film.

The court noted that the film is scheduled for release on March 19 and observed that in such cases, the risk of irreparable harm is significant if interim relief is not granted. At the same time, it acknowledged that the respondents’ business interests could also be affected by such an order.

Balancing these considerations, the court directed Reliance to indemnify the respondents for any potential losses arising from the injunction. Subject to this condition, it restrained the respondents from unlawfully broadcasting or transmitting the film until April 15, 2026.

The court also issued notice to the respondents in the matter, which will next be heard on April 15.

Dhurandhar The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar, is a Hindi-language spy action thriller and a sequel to the 2025 film Dhurandhar. The film stars Ranveer Singh as an undercover operative navigating the criminal and political underworld. The cast also includes Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan and Arjun Rampal.

Also Read: “Mindblowing”: Preity Zinta reviews Dhurandhar The Revenge; says, “Aditya Dhar, you have turned me into a fan girl”

REVEALED: Not Emraan Hashmi or Akshay Kumar, this actor plays Bade Sahab in Dhurandhar The Revenge

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The all-time grosser Dhurandhar (2025) ended on a high. Viewers wondered who Bade Sahab is and most importantly, which actor would essay the role of the mysterious figure. In the months that followed, speculations arose that Emraan Hashmi or Akshay Kumar had been signed to play Bade Sahab. It has now come to light that these reports were false and its actor, Danish Iqbal, who essays the said part.

Danish Iqbal has previously worked in significant films and shows like Maharani, Aranyak, Faraaz, Aakhri Sach, Bhakshak, Haq, The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case etc. Last week, viewers saw him in the role of K C Majumdar in Prakash Jha's recently released web series, Sankalp. Like Dhurandhar, the political revenge drama was also produced by Jio Studios.

Speaking of Dhurandhar The Revenge, it is the sequel to Dhurandhar (2025), which starred Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun and others. It tells the story of an Indian who infiltrates Pakistan and shakes the political and military system. The sequel takes his story forward and also focuses on what his life was like before he entered Pakistan.

Yesterday, the music launch of Dhurandhar The Revenge, also the only event for the much-awaited film, took place at Mumbai’s NESCO in the presence of hundreds of fans. Ranveer made a dramatic entry and he told fans, “Thanks to your love, Dhurandhar reached a historic milestone. Thank you from our whole team to all the cinema-going audience.”

He added, “Dhurandhar The Revenge releases the day after tomorrow. Moviegoers not just in the country but across the world are eagerly waiting for it. Our whole team is thrilled and we are grateful to the response generated by the first part of the film. We are also so humbled by the excitement and anticipation for the second part. It's unprecedented. We are all still processing it.”

Also Read: Dhurandhar The Revenge runtime BREAK-UP out: First half is 1 hour 47 minutes, second half crosses 2-hour mark

SCOOP: After Salman Khan’s Maatrubhumi, Ayushmann Khurrana-Sharvari’s Yeh Prem Mol Liya likely to be renamed Yeh Prem Moh Maya Hai

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A few days ago, the industry and fans got a surprise when it was announced that Salman Khan’s much-awaited next film, Battle Of Galwan, has been renamed Maatrubhumi. And now, as per the buzz in the trade, another awaited film might also go for a title change – Yeh Prem Mol Liya, directed by Sooraj Barjatya.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “There have been discussions over changing the title of the film to Yeh Prem Moh Maya Hai. If all goes well, the new title will be locked and will be announced officially in a few days.”

Yeh Prem Mol Liya stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari in the lead role, along with Shaad Randhawa, Anupam Kher, Seema Pahwa, and Supriya Pathak in pivotal roles. It is presented and produced by Rajshri Productions in association with Mahaveer Jain Films and Anita Gurnani. It marks the second association for Mahaveer Jain and Sooraj Barjatya after the acclaimed flick Uunchai (2022).

In December 2025, Shaad Randhawa, who left a mark with his performances in the 2025 sleeper successes, Saiyaara and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, revealed that he had bagged the film. In January this year, he exclusively told Bollywood Hungama, “It is a film that only Sooraj can make. It’s about family, values and romance. There’s dada ji, dadi ji, nani, bua – it’s that kind of a film (smiles). It touches upon relationships; I don’t think anybody knows relationships better than Sooraj ji. The film also tells a beautiful love story. I am sure everybody would be looking forward to the film because we have been missing that kind of film. We haven’t seen a family entertainer in the longest time.”

In February, we were the first ones to report that Ayushmann Khurrana and Sharvari shot for the film at Goregaon railway station in Mumbai. As per sources, the shoot, which started on November 1 last year, is about to wrap up soon.

Also Read: Swanand Kirkire joins Sooraj Barjatya’s next directorial Yeh Prem Mol Liya

Ranveer Singh, Sara Arjun thank audiences for making Dhurandhar a RECORD grosser: "We are STILL processing it"; Ranveer proclaims, "Ab Indian cinema ka mustakbil Dhurandhar: The Revenge tay karega!"

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The music launch of Dhurandhar The Revenge, also the only event for the much-awaited film, took place on March 17 at Mumbai’s NESCO in the presence of hundreds of fans. Organized by Spotify, the event was slightly marred by mismanagement, as the team failed to provide adequate passes to mediapersons, leading to some minor chaos. Thankfully, the Dhurandhar The Revenge team made up for it with their quotes and live performances.

Ranveer Singh made a dramatic entry at the very beginning and performed to the song ‘Aari Aari’, which has already become a rage. He then asked the fans, “Did you love the music of Dhurandhar Part 1? Which is your favourite song?” As fans shouted out the names of various tracks, Ranveer smiled and remarked, “Dekho, yehi toh khaas baat hai. Sab ke alag alag favourites hain.”

He then touched upon the historic box office success achieved by the first part, “Thanks to your love, Dhurandhar reached a historic milestone. Thank you from our whole team to all the cinema-going audience.”

He added, “Dhurandhar The Revenge releases the day after tomorrow. Moviegoers not just in the country but across the world are eagerly waiting for it. Our whole team is thrilled and we are grateful to the response generated by the first part of the film. We are also so humbled by the excitement and anticipation for the second part. It's unprecedented. We are all still processing it.”

Ranveer continued, “We are here today for the music launch and to celebrate Shashwat Sachdev. This unstoppable fireball juggernaut of a talent. He's just too good.”

He further stated, “I have had the great honour of being in the studio with him. He is one of a kind. He's going to go down in history as one of the greats and he's just getting started!”

He also said, “Shashwat ne dono filmon mein apni jaan daal di. The music became the jaan of this film. Be it the title track, ‘Lutt Le Gaya’, ‘Ez-Ez’, ‘Naal Nachna’ – look at the versatility in just one album! There’s a song for every mood. Everywhere I go, people tell me, ‘We are only listening to Dhurandhar music’. College jaao, gym jaao; jahan jao, wahaan Dhurandhar ke gaane baj rahe hai. Nothing can be more gratifying for us artistes.”

Towards the end, he said, “It’s a big evening for me. Thank you for being here. I am too happy to be with you all!” He signed off by exclaiming, “Ab Indian cinema ka mustakbil Dhurandhar The Revenge tay karega!”

His co-star Sara Arjun added, “Thank you for all the love and encouragement that you have given Dhurandhar and me. Aaj jo Dhurandhar bani hai, woh sirf aapki wajah se bani hai. I’ll always maintain that asli Dhurandhar aur sabse bada Dhurandhar hamari audience hai!”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: CBFC reduces visuals in 4 violent scenes in Dhurandhar The Revenge by 34 seconds; censors abusive words