Court stays 'KGF' release, producer says show on

In a climax to the much-awaited release of ‘Rocking Star’ Yash-starrer KGF, the Bengaluru City Civil and Sessions Court on Thursday stayed the release of the film until the next hearing on January 7. The order, following a petition by Bengaluru-based producers, triggered protests by fans in parts of Karnataka.

However, KGF producer Vijay Kiragandoor said he will go ahead with the release as he is yet to receive the orders.

According to sources, producers Venkatesh G of Sri Rajeshwari Combines and S Ananda of Ashwini Films approached the court seeking a stay on the release. The petitioners argued that the film’s teasers and stills prove that it is based on the life of rowdy Thangam. “We had obtained the copyright to make a film on Thangam and hence the court must stay the release till the issue is resolved,” the petitioners told reporters. They also submitted documents pertaining to their copyright. Hearing the petition (OS 9145/2018), 18th Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge Panchakshari M issued an interim injunction “which will be in force till the appearance of defendants”.

Clarifying on the stay order, Raghunatha K, advocate for the plaintiffs told reporters that the movie is entirely based on the life of rowdy Thangam.

“The teasers and stills released so far attest to it. But the original copyright titles are with Venkatesh and the KGF team has violated the Copyright Act. Hence, we have obtained the stay against the release of the movie not only in Kannada but also in other languages by submitting original documents of the court.”

This apart, Bengaluru residents Ratan and Yogeesh have also filed another petition before the civil court objecting to the title of the film KGF. The petitioners argued that KGF refers to a gold mine and has a distinct place in Karnataka. However, the directors have been attempting to showcase it through a lot of bloodshed which will send a wrong message to the next generation.

However, Vijay Kiragandoor, producer of KGF confirmed to the media that they will go ahead with the release as they have not received any orders so far. “I have only heard about the stay through the media but have not received any orders from the court. Once I receive the order, I will consult my legal advisers and take a decision. But for now, fans need not worry about the release.”

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