The Delhi High Court has allowed the OTT release of Dhurandhar: The Revenge even as a copyright dispute continues over the alleged unauthorised use of the popular song Tirchhi Topiwale from the 1989 film Tridev.
What is the T-Series & Dhurandhar 2 Case?
Earlier in April, Trimurti Films had filed a copyright infringement case against Aditya Dhar’s B62 Studios and Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd, popularly known as T-Series. The lawsuit accused the makers of using portions of the original song without proper authorisation in the track Rang De Lal (Oye Oye) featured in the film.
Delhi High Court Refuses to Stop Dhurandhar 2 OTT Release
According to source, the Delhi High Court rejected Trimurti Films’ request to stop the film’s digital release on OTT platforms. The court observed that the movie had already been released in cinemas on March 19 with the same song included, making it unreasonable to block only the OTT release later.
In its May 14 order, the court said restraining the streaming release at this stage would “result in an incongruous situation” and would be “inconceivable”. However, the court clarified that Trimurti Films could still receive compensation if it eventually proves copyright infringement in the ongoing case.
T-Series Asked Dhurandhar 2 Makers to Deposit ₹50 Lakh
While allowing the OTT release, the court directed T-Series to deposit ₹50 lakh within four weeks as part of the legal proceedings.
The HC also noted that the filmmakers had invested significant money, time, and effort into the movie based on agreements made with T-Series. Because of this, the court said the makers should not be placed in a “detrimental or disadvantageous” position at such a late stage.
Court Notes T-Series Previously Used Tridev Songs
During the hearing, T-Series argued that it had long exercised rights over Tirchhi Topiwale through earlier usage and remix versions of songs from Tridev in previous films.
The court observed that despite those earlier uses, no legal action had been taken before. Referring to this delay, the HC remarked that it could not “direct them to undergo huge financial losses merely at the askance of the plaintiff, as and when the plaintiff chooses to awaken from its deep slumber.” Earlier in April, the High Court had referred the dispute to mediation, but talks between the two parties reportedly failed by May.
Dhurandhar 2 OTT Release: When and Where to Watch Dhurandhar: The Revenge
A “Raw & Undekha” version of Dhurandhar: The Revenge started streaming outside India on Netflix from May 14-15.
In India, the film is scheduled to premiere digitally on JioHotstar on June 4 at 7 PM and will be available for streaming from June 5. The overseas version reportedly contains uncensored scenes featuring graphic violence, abusive language, beheadings, and other intense content. It is still unclear whether the same uncut version will be released for Indian audiences.
Star Cast and Director of Dhurandhar Films
The Dhurandhar films are directed by Aditya Dhar and feature a large ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Gaurav Gera, and Danish Pandor.
