Full Breakdown
Delhi High Court Allows Release of “Doosra” Amid Sourav Ganguly’s Personality-Rights Claim
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Court Declines Interim Stay on Film Release
On October 22, a vacation bench of the Delhi High Court, headed by Justice Dinesh Bhatt, refused an interim injunction that would have halted the theatrical debut of *Doosra: India’s Other Freedom Struggle* on October 23.
Background & Context: Personality Rights and Prior Biopic Agreement
The dispute stems from a contract dated August 5 2021, in which former India captain Sourav Ganguly granted Luv Films LLP exclusive rights to develop a biographical film about his life. Luv Films is preparing *Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story*, slated for release on May 14 2027.
Ganguly alleges that *Doosra* uses his name, image and iconic moments—his captaincy in the 2002 NatWest Series final and his shirtless celebration on the Lord’s balcony—without consent, violating his personality rights and Luv Films’ exclusivity.
Key Figures & Groups
- Sourav Ganguly – plaintiff.
- Luv Films LLP – holder of the 2021 exclusive rights.
- Justice Dinesh Bhatt – judge who denied the stay.
- Abhinay Deo – director of *Doosra*.
- Balbir Singh – senior advocate for Ganguly and Luv Films.
- Saurabh Kirpal – counsel for the filmmakers.
Data & Statistics
- August 5 2021 – Agreement granting Luv Films exclusive rights.
- October 12 – Trailer for *Doosra* launched.
- October 22 – Court hearing where the stay was denied.
- October 23 – Scheduled theatrical release of *Doosra* and continuation of the hearing.
- May 14 2027 – Planned release date for *Dada*.
Official Statements & Responses
Balbir Singh argued that the film’s promotion capitalises on Ganguly’s identity and lacks a licence.
Saurabh Kirpal maintained that *Doosra* is a fictional story about a Rajasthani girl inspired by Ganguly’s moments, not a biopic, and that the production secured a BCCI licence for NatWest Series footage, asserting Ganguly holds no rights over that material.
Criticism & Opposition
Ganguly’s filing claims unauthorised commercial exploitation of his personality and warns that the film’s references could mislead audiences into believing his endorsement.
Why It Matters
The case tests the limits of personality-rights protection in Indian media when public figures’ well-known moments appear in fictional works. A ruling that permits the film’s release while the dispute proceeds could influence how courts balance artistic expression against alleged commercial exploitation of a celebrity’s image.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have said no stay, so the film can go on,” — Justice Bhatt
What’s Next
The Delhi High Court has listed the matter for further hearing on October 23, the same day *Doosra* is scheduled to open nationwide. The outcome will determine whether additional injunctions are issued and how the competing personality-rights claims are resolved.