Delhi High Court Rules Film Doosra Infringed Sourav Ganguly's Personality Rights

The Delhi High Court has directed the producers of the film Doosra to deposit Rs. 2 crores and feature prominent disclaimers following a lawsuit filed by former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and Luv Films.

Published 7 November 2026

Judicial Ruling on Unauthorized Exploitation

The legal dispute surrounding unauthorized portrayals of prominent sports figures reached a notable milestone when the Delhi High Court delivered its verdict. The judicial body determined that the motion picture Doosra unlawfully encroached upon the personality and publicity rights of former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly.

As part of its official directives, the Court mandated that the production banner Ramesh Deo Productions Private Limited must deposit a sum of Rs. 2 crores. Furthermore, the studio was instructed to integrate clear disclaimers in both Hindi and English at the commencement and conclusion of the feature film.

Origins of the Lawsuit and Legal Representation

The proceedings originated from a formal legal complaint submitted jointly by Sourav Ganguly and production company Luv Films. The plaintiffs contested the unauthorized incorporation of Ganguly's personal identity and significant biographical incidents within the cinematic narrative of the project.

Responding to the grievances raised by the petitioners, the bench enacted restrictions preventing the filmmakers from distributing or premiering Doosra across digital streaming platforms or via any alternative broadcast mediums.

Court Observations on Narrative Inseparability

During the evaluation of the case, the Court noted that specific facets of the former athlete's persona and historical life events are deeply interwoven into the core storyline of the movie. Because these references form a continuous thread throughout the plot, the bench found it practically unfeasible to excise the contested segments from the final edited version.

To balance the inclusion of these narrative elements with legal protections, the Court opted for mandatory disclaimers. These notices are designed to explicitly inform viewers of the true nature of the cinematic project without relying on structural edits to the film itself.

Mandatory Disclaimers and Non-Consent

The enforced text within the film must clearly communicate specific boundaries to the audience regarding the involvement of the retired cricket star. Specifically, the disclaimers need to state that Ganguly withheld any formal consent regarding the commercial exploitation or theatrical depiction of his likeness.

Additionally, the notices must officially clarify that the production maintains no authorized affiliation, endorsement, or official backing from the former captain, ensuring that viewers understand the independent nature of the creative work.

Broader Implications for Celebrity Rights

This high-profile ruling highlights the evolving legal challenges associated with utilizing recognizable public figures and their private histories within commercial media and motion pictures. Publicity and personality rights exist primarily to safeguard individuals from unauthorized commercial capitalization tied to their established name, image, and likeness.

The decision serves as a key legal precedent concerning the boundaries of biographical storytelling and unauthorized appropriations within the entertainment industry, stressing the importance of proper permissions when referencing living personalities.

Context of the Authorized Biopic Project

While unauthorized projects face judicial scrutiny, legitimate biographical projects centered on the sports icon continue development. An officially sanctioned biographical film titled Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story is currently in production.

The authorized movie is slated for theatrical release on May 14, 2026. The project is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and is backed by producers Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg.

News Overview

The Delhi High Court has ruled that the film Doosra violated Sourav Ganguly's personality rights, ordering the makers to deposit Rs. 2 crores and display clear disclaimers. The lawsuit, filed by Ganguly and Luv Films, also blocked the movie's release on OTT platforms due to unauthorized use of his life events.

While the unauthorized project faces judicial curbs, an official biopic titled Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story remains scheduled for release in May 2026.

Key facts

  • The Delhi High Court ruled that the film Doosra infringed upon Sourav Ganguly's personality and publicity rights.
  • Makers Ramesh Deo Productions Private Limited were ordered to deposit Rs. 2 crore.
  • The film must display disclaimers in both Hindi and English at the beginning and end.
  • The lawsuit was filed by Sourav Ganguly along with Luv Films.
  • The Court restrained the makers from releasing Doosra on OTT platforms or through any other medium.
  • The authorised biographical film is titled Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story.
  • Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane.
  • The biopic is produced by Luv Ranjan and Ankur Garg.
  • The biopic is scheduled for release on May 14, 2026.