Dhurandhar Script Row: Filmmaker Santosh Kumar Assures Bombay High Court To Refrain From Making Defamatory Statements Against Aditya Dhar

Filmmaker Santosh Kumar on Wednesday informed the Bombay High Court that he would refrain from making any defamatory statements against director Aditya Dhar, amid an ongoing dispute over alleged copying of 'Dhurandhar' film script.

The statement was made before Justice Arif Doctor by Kumar's counsel, who submitted that his client would pursue appropriate legal remedies against Dhar but would not make any further defamatory remarks in the media going forward.

Notably, Kumar has claimed before the media that the script of the film Dhurandhar is basically a copy of his original work, which he titled as 'D Sahebd.' An ad-interim order was passed on April 8 restraining Kumar from making any defamatory comments against Dhar.

During the hearing, Kumar's counsel urged the Court to record that any statements made earlier were not directed against Dhar personally. However, Justice Doctor observed that such a submission could not be readily accepted and clarified that the Court would only record the undertaking regarding future conduct.

“I will record that going forward you will not make any defamatory statements,” the Court stated.

Senior Advocate Dr. Birendra Saraf, appearing for Dhar, requested the Court to direct Kumar to issue an apology for his earlier public statements. “He should apologise at least… Calling someone a chor (thief) publicly is not okay,” Saraf submitted.

Kumar's counsel, however, opposed this request, stating that his client maintains that the script of Dhurandhar was copied from his original work titled D Sahebd, and therefore no apology would be issued at this stage.

Taking note of the undertaking, the Court disposed of the interim application, recording that Kumar shall not make any defamatory statements against Dhar henceforth.

Case Title: Aditya Dhar vs Santosh Kumar [Interim Application (L) 12102 of 2026]