Julie producer NR Pachisia: 'I hold rights to the title of the film'

A still from Julie 2

One would assume that Pahlaj Nihalani was done with his share of controversy during his term as CBFC chief. Over a month after his ouster, the filmmaker continues to court controversy -- this time around, the bone of contention is his upcoming film, Julie 2. Nihalani, who is presenting the Raai Laxmi-starrer, and director Deepak Shivdasani have been sued by producer NR Pachisia for trademark and copyright infringement.

Pachisia, who had produced the Neha Dhupia-starrer Julie in 2004, is aghast that Shivdasani is taking the Julie franchise ahead -- this, when the former owns the rights to the film as well as the title in question.

Pachisia said, "Back in 2012, I had heard that Deepak was planning a sequel to Julie. I immediately wrote a letter to him saying that I hold the rights to the film and the title, and didn't have intentions to make a sequel. He assured me in writing that he would not make the film."

The producer felt cheated when he learnt that the director went back on his word. "He registered the title as Deepak Shivdasani's Julie 2. He is also promoting the film as a sequel, which is unethical and petty."

Pachisia knocked on the doors of IMPPA (Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association), who supported the producer and served a notice to the makers of Julie 2. "They felt that Deepak is misleading the public by associating his film to mine, to gain publicity."

Pahlaj Nihalani, NR Pachisia

He also filed a suit at Mumbai High Court on Thursday, demanding a stay on the film. "The matter will be up for hearing on Monday. I don't want monetary compensation, I just want justice," he said.

When we reached out to Nihalani, he refused to take onus. He said, "I am just the distributor of the film, so I don't think it has anything to do with me. Also, I haven't received any notice yet."

Shivdasani remained unavailable for comment.