Prakash Jha gets into a slugfest with Phantom Films over 'GangaaJal'

Prakash Jha, Anurag Kashyap, Vikas Bahl, Madhu Mantena and Vikramaditya Motwane

Prakash Jha has landed in another legal wrangle related to his Priyanka Chopra-starrer 'Jai GangaaJal', which released earlier this year.

Last week, the film's co-producer, Milind Dabke had accused the filmmaker of withholding the film's master copy, making it impossible for them to go ahead with commercial deals, as reported 'Mudslinging over money' (hitlist, August 8). Now, Phantom Films has slapped a notice on Jha for making a sequel to his 2003 action-drama, 'GangaaJal', alleging copyright violation.

(From left) Anurag Kashyap, Vikas Bahl, Madhu Mantena and Vikramaditya Motwane at an event for their 2014 production, Ugly

Phantom, the production banner consisting of Anurag Kashyap, Vikas Bahl, Madhu Mantena and Vikramaditya Motwane, has claimed ownership of intellectual property rights and is demanding compensation of over Rs 1 crore for redressal.

Also read: 'Jai Gangaajal' co-producer files police complaint against Prakash Jha

Madhu Mantena, Phantom Films

Sources close to Jha wonder why Phantom has woken up five months after the film's release: "When he announced the project with Priyanka Chopra, Phantom did not object. What made them suddenly file a legal suit?"

Prakash Jha, director

They add that certain vested interests with a vendetta against Jha have prevailed upon Phantom to take him to court. As the source puts it, "It is clear that someone is goading them [the production banner] to take action against Jha."

Jha says Phantom cannot claim ownership of the rights. "They sent me notices on the eve of the film's release in March and I gave them a fitting reply due to which they could not go to court. Why didn't they stall Jai GangaaJal's release? They knew they could not legally stop the film. They can do what they want, but 'GangaaJal' is my creation and the world knows is aware of that. Does Madhu Mantena (co-partner at Phantom Films) know the spelling of 'GangaaJal'? He wanted the film for free to release so that their relations with Reliance remain intact. Why should I just give away something that is mine? I will give my reply in court," he adds.

Reacting to Jha's comment, Mantena says, "Phantom has complete claim on 'GangaaJal' as a creative property. Prakash Jha is an industry veteran, and I have huge respect for him. Beyond this, I have nothing to say, since I have been in China for the past few days, totally unaware of latest legal developments on the issue."