Bombay HC Rejected Copyright Infringement Plea Against 'Mohenjo Daro', Imposed Rs. 1.5 Lakh Fine On Petitioner

Hrithik Roshan and Pooja Hegde-starrer ‘Mohenjo Daro’ has been in trouble since the time of release of the trailer. After receiving a U/A certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the film has cleared another major hurdle. Akashaditya Lama, the director of 2012 film ‘Cigarette Ki Tarah’ filed a petition saying the movie’s script was stolen by Gowariker. But, the Bombay High Court dismissed all the allegations against Ashutosh Gowariker’s magnum opus ‘Mohenjo Daro’ and said that the film is not plagiarised and imposed a fine of Rs. 1.5 lakh on the petitioner. The court also said that Lama had filed the complaint to “harass” Ashutosh Gowariker, UTV and Hrithik Roshan.

The fine amount will be donated to Naam Foundation, an organisation founded by Nana Patekar and Makarand Anaspure that works for the drought-hit farmers of Maharashtra. Lama reportedly alleged Gowariker for stealing the script of ‘Mohenjo Daro’, which he had narrated to Jaswinder Ballu Saluja in 2001, an editor who has worked with Gowariker in Lagaan and Swades. He realised that his story has been plagiarised after he heard of ‘Mohenjo Daro’ and tried to contact Gowariker, but it was a vain attempt. Later he approached Bombay HC as the last resort.

The flick is an epic adventure-romantic drama, which shall be the world's first cinematic presentation referencing the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. ‘Mohenjo Daro’ is the second collaboration of Hrithik and Ashutosh after ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ and also marks the debut of Pooja Hegde into Bollywood. The film is set to release on August 12 and is also ready to clash with Akshay Kumar’s ‘Rustom’ on the same day. 

source: media2.intoday.in