The Delhi High Court has allowed filmmaker Aditya Dhar to use the song "Rang De Lal (Oye Oye)" in the OTT version of the film "Dhurandhar: The Revenge" [1].
This ruling prevents a potential legal disruption for the film's digital distribution. Because the song was already permitted for theatrical use, a ban on streaming platforms would have created a fragmented viewing experience and financial complications for the production.
The court rejected a plaintiff's request to stop the inclusion of the track on over-the-top platforms [1]. In its decision, the court said the filmmakers made a significant investment in the production [1].
Judges also noted that the plaintiff had delayed taking action. The court said it was impractical to prohibit the song on OTT platforms while it remained accessible in theatrical releases [1]. This inconsistency in availability was a key factor in the court's refusal to grant the injunction.
The decision ensures that the digital version of the film remains consistent with the version seen in cinemas. By prioritizing the investment of the creators and the timing of the legal challenge, the court has cleared the way for the film's full release across all formats [1].
“The Delhi High Court has allowed filmmaker Aditya Dhar to use the song "Rang De Lal (Oye Oye)" in the OTT version of the film.”
This ruling underscores the legal difficulty of securing injunctions against media content after significant capital has been invested and theatrical distribution has already occurred. By citing 'delayed action' by the plaintiff, the court reinforces the principle that copyright or usage disputes must be raised promptly before a project reaches the digital distribution phase.
