Aanand L Rai responds to Eros’ Rs 84 crore lawsuit linked to Tere Ishk Mein

Filmmaker Aanand L Rai has finally addressed the legal dispute involving his film Tere Ishk Mein. Eros International Media Ltd has filed a Rs 84 crore lawsuit, accusing the makers of misusing intellectual property linked to Raanjhanaa. Rai has responded in a measured tone, describing the issue as routine legal business rather than a creative or personal conflict.

Speaking to NDTV, the director said such disputes were not unusual in the industry. He stated, “These are part of life. When you step into business, such things keep happening. I don’t even know why, how, or from where this has come. But I think it is a legal matter, so let the legal people handle it. There is a lawyer on their side, and a lawyer from here will respond too."

Rai further downplayed the seriousness of the lawsuit and indicated he was not personally concerned. “I don’t think it has any meaning. Anyone can say anything about anything at any time. So it’s not something to be taken too seriously. It’s more for the lawyers to deal with. Since it’s a legal matter, I won’t speak much about it, but it’s nothing serious," he added.

The case was earlier reported by mid day and names Rai and his production banner Colour Yellow Media Entertainment LLP as defendants. Eros International Media Ltd claims that Tere Ishk Mein unlawfully draws from the intellectual property of Raanjhanaa while being promoted as a related film.

According to Eros, it owns exclusive rights to Raanjhanaa, including its characters, dialogues, trademarks and any sequel or remake rights. The company has alleged copyright infringement, trademark violation and passing off, and has sought damages amounting to Rs 84 crore.

The suit highlights several similarities between the two films. It points out that Dhanush plays a character named Shankar in Tere Ishk Mein, which closely resembles his role as Kundan Shankar in Raanjhanaa. Eros has also noted that actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub appears as Murari in both projects.

Another objection raised by the company concerns promotional material. Eros has claimed that phrases such as From the world of Raanjhanaa were used without authorisation, creating an impression of official continuity.