Don't Exhibit 'RCB Jersey' In Jailer Movie: Delhi High Court To Filmmakers In Suit By IPL Team

The Delhi High Court has directed the filmmakers of Rajnikanth starrer Jailer movie to ensure that from September 01 onwards, none of the theatres exhibit the jersey of IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore, as worn by a contract killer in one of the scenes in the film.

Regarding the movie’s release on television, satellite or any OTT platform, Justice Prathiba M Singh said that an altered version of the film shall be broadcasted or telecasted prior to such release.

“With effect from 1st September, 2023, in the theatrical depiction of the film Jailer the RCB team jersey shall stand edited/altered. The Defendants shall ensure that after 1st September, 2023, none of the theatres would exhibit the RCB jersey in any form whatsoever. Insofar as television, satellite or any OTT platform is concerned, prior to the release thereof, the altered version of the film shall be broadcasted/telecasted,” the court ordered.

Justice Singh was deciding a suit filed by the IPL team, Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited, against the filmmakers raising objections to the scenes wherein its jersey was used in a “denigratory manner.” 

It was claimed that the contract killer who had worn the jersey in the film made derogatory and misogynistic statements about a lady in the movie. It was RCB’s case that the jersey was used without its permission in a negative depiction which is likely to dilute its brand image and hurt the brand equity.

The court noted that subsequent to filing of the suit, the filmmakers had contacted the IPL team and resolved their disputes. It was agreed between the parties that the filmmakers would alter the clippings of the movie that feature the team jersey in a manner so as to ensure that the same is not identifiable as RCB jersey.

“This would include deletion of primary colours of RCB jersey as also the branding of the sponsors, etc. which appear on the RCB jersey,” the parties resolved.

It was also resolved that the producers shall ensure that the alteration or editing is carried out prior to the release of the feature film on television, satellite or on any OTT platform.

“In view of the fact that the feature film Jailer has already been released in theatres as on 10th August, 2023, the parties have agreed that the Defendants shall carry out this alteration in theatrical mode, within ten days i.e. by 1st September, 2023,” the court noted.

Justice Singh directed that the filmmakers and all others acting for or on their behalf shall be bound by the terms and conditions agreed between the parties.

“In view of the fact that the suit has been settled on the very first date when it was listed, full court fee is directed to be refunded to the Plaintiff through counsel…” the court ordered.

Advocates Majumder, Priya Adlakha and Vardaan Anand appeared for plaintiff.

Advocates Deepak Biswas, Harsh Buch and Srishti Gupta appeared for defendants.

Case Title: ROYAL CHALLENGERS SPORTS PRIVATE LIMITED v. SUN PICTURES A DIVISION OF SUN TV NETWORK LTD.AND ANR.

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 758

Click Here To Read Order