Story perspectives

Delhi High Court rejects Ganguly bid to block “Doosra”

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 1:59 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Delhi High Court Refuses

The Delhi High Court refused to block the theatrical release of the film “Doosra” on Oct 23.
Justice Dinesh Bhatt said the balance of convenience favours the filmmakers.
Cricketer Sourav Ganguly sought an injunction alleging violation of his personality rights.
Luv Films LLP claims the movie is not a biopic and holds permissions for the clips.
Filmmakers’ counsel called the lawsuit blackmail and said over a hundred theatres have advance bookings.

Summary

Filmmakers Challenge Rights

Indian courts have seen a surge in personality-rights lawsuits against public figures.
Sourav Ganguly’s shirtless celebration during the 2002 NatWest Series at Lord’s became an iconic Indian cricket moment.
The Do osra dispute highlights legal uncertainty over filmmakers depicting celebrated sports events.
The case raises questions about how far filmmakers can draw on prominent sportspersons’ lives and achievements.
It illustrates tension between commercial film interests and athletes’ personality and commercial rights.

Summary

Plabita Borthakur Empowers

Plabita Borthakur stars as Tara, a Rajasthani girl challenging family expectations.
Doosra releases on October 23 as a sports-drama about gender empowerment through cricket.
Masha Sajdeh and Rohan Sajdeh produce the film while Neeta Shah co-produces.
The film secured a BCCI licence to use official NatWest Series footage.
The trailer debuted on October 12, highlighting Ganguly’s 2002 victory as Tara’s inspiration.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 the Supreme Court of India ruled that commercial speech is protected under freedom of expression (Tata Press Ltd. v. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited). The decision let the BCCI license cricket footage for Bollywood films, spurring sports-drama production. The current Doosra dispute, filed by Sourav Ganguly’s team against Luv Films, tests that precedent and could expand commercial use of historic cricket clips.

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Delhi High Court Refuses

The Delhi High Court refused to block the theatrical release of the film “Doosra” on Oct 23.
Justice Dinesh Bhatt said the balance of convenience favours the filmmakers.
Cricketer Sourav Ganguly sought an injunction alleging violation of his personality rights.
Luv Films LLP claims the movie is not a biopic and holds permissions for the clips.
Filmmakers’ counsel called the lawsuit blackmail and said over a hundred theatres have advance bookings.

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