Dhurandhar 2 controversy escalates, HC intervenes after Rajiv Rai’s ‘thieves’ comment

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed filmmaker Rajiv Rai to refrain from making public comments on the ongoing dispute around Dhurandhar 2, after he referred to its makers as “thieves”. The court recorded an undertaking from Rai, noting that the matter is currently under mediation.

The case involves Rai’s production banner Trimurti Films and Aditya Dhar’s B62 Studios. The High Court had earlier directed both parties to resolve the issue through mediation. During the hearing, the bench pointed out that Rai had made multiple public remarks on the merits of the case.

According to reports, the court stressed that restraint is expected when a matter is sub judice. It observed that public statements can complicate proceedings and escalate issues beyond the courtroom.

Representing Super Cassettes Industries, the counsel told the court, “They are calling us thieves while the very issue is before this Court for consideration.” The company, which holds the audio rights of Dhurandhar 2, argued that such statements were harming the film, which is currently running in theatres. The counsel also submitted that pursuing legal remedies while making public allegations creates a parallel narrative.

On the other hand, Rai’s lawyer defended his right to express criticism. She argued, “They get praise every day for being a box office hit. Equally, two people criticising them is not going to bring down heavens.” At the same time, she informed the court that Rai is willing to avoid further public commentary and focus on resolving the matter through mediation.

The court clarified that while parties are free to hold opinions and express views, public remarks during an ongoing legal process are not appropriate.

The dispute centres around allegations that the song Tirchi Topiwale from the 1989 film Tridev was used without permission in Dhurandhar 2’s track Rang De Lal (Oye Oye). Apart from B62 Studios, Jio Studios has also been named in the case.

Dhurandhar 2, featuring Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan and Arjun Rampal among others, continues to perform strongly at the box office.