Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, May 1: Film producer Firoz Nadiadwala has filed a fraud complaint at Amboli police station in Mumbai over the copyright and remake rights of the film Hera Pheri, alleging attempts to usurp his legal rights and extort money.
In his complaint, Nadiadwala said he had legally acquired the remake rights of the story—originally based on the Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking—for Hindi and other languages (excluding South Indian languages) from Suresh Kumar Singhal of M/s Compact Disc India Limited for Rs 4.5 lakh in 2000.
He alleged that just days before the release of Hera Pheri, he was pressured by certain individuals to pay money despite a court stay in his favour, citing fear of reputational damage and financial loss due to the large investment in the film.
The dispute has resurfaced after 25 years, with Nadiadwala claiming that the original rights holders, including M Paul Michael, resold the rights in 2022 to Gopala Pillai Vijaykumar of M/s Seven Arts International for Rs 3 lakh, despite being aware of the earlier sale.
Following the complaint, police have registered a case against the accused under relevant sections of the IPC and initiated an investigation.
Nadiadwala further alleged that in December 2024, he received a legal notice declaring his film Phir Hera Pheri illegal, with demands for Rs 60 lakh and a 25 per cent share in profits.
He also claimed that false information was being circulated using the names of actors Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal, affecting his professional reputation and obstructing his company’s public listing plans.
Police said further investigation is underway, and the concerned parties may be summoned for questioning.