Delhi High Court Allows Doosra Release as Sourav Ganguly’s Personality Rights Case Continues
The Delhi High Court has refused to stay the theatrical release of Doosra, a sports drama challenged by former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly over alleged violations of his personality and commercial rights. The decision allows the film to proceed with its scheduled release on October 23, 2026, while the legal dispute remains unresolved.
The case has attracted attention because it concerns the use of a prominent sportsperson’s identity and memorable career moments in a commercial film. Ganguly and film production company Luv Films LLP approached the court seeking to prevent the movie’s release, alleging that it uses elements associated with the former cricketer without the necessary authorisation.
India News
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Why Sourav Ganguly Challenged Doosra
Ganguly’s legal challenge focuses on references to his cricketing career, particularly India’s victory in the 2002 NatWest Series final against England and his memorable shirtless celebration on the Lord’s balcony following the win.
The petitioners argued that the film’s promotional material and references to these events could amount to the unauthorised commercial use of Ganguly’s identity. They also raised concerns about the use of his name, image, likeness and other elements associated with his public profile.
Ganguly and Luv Films further alleged that the project could affect their respective interests, including the production company’s claimed exclusive contractual rights relating to an authorised biographical film about the former captain.
According to reports, Ganguly had entered into an agreement with Luv Films in August 2021 concerning the development and production of audiovisual content based on his life and cricketing career. The production house has been working on a separate project titled Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story, which has been reported as scheduled for release in May 2027.
India Today
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What the Court Decided
The Delhi High Court declined to issue an immediate order stopping Doosra’s theatrical release. The court’s decision means that the film can proceed with its planned release while the legal challenge continues.
The court considered the request shortly before the film’s scheduled theatrical debut. The filmmakers had opposed the demand for an interim restriction, and the court did not grant the stay sought by Ganguly and Luv Films.
However, the refusal to stop the release at this stage should not be interpreted as a final judgment on the underlying allegations. The dispute over personality rights and the production company’s contractual claims remained subject to further legal consideration.
The hearing was scheduled to continue on Friday, October 23, according to reports published on October 22. The outcome of the continuing proceedings could provide further clarity on the competing claims.
PTIFeed
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Filmmakers Say Doosra Is Not a Ganguly Biopic
The filmmakers have disputed the argument that Doosra is a biographical film about Ganguly. Their side has maintained that the story centres on a fictional girl from Rajasthan who draws inspiration from sporting events associated with the former Indian captain.
The film reportedly follows a character named Tara and explores her personal journey, including her efforts to challenge expectations and find greater independence. The makers have argued that the story is distinct from a direct account of Ganguly’s life.
Their legal representatives also stated that permissions had been obtained to use certain footage from the 2002 NatWest Series. The question of whether the film’s references and use of footage infringe the rights claimed by the petitioners remains part of the broader dispute.
These competing positions place the focus on the difference between drawing inspiration from public sporting events and using a person’s identity in ways that may raise legal concerns.
Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news
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The Wider Debate Over Personality Rights
Personality rights concern the ability of individuals, particularly public figures, to protect aspects of their identity from certain unauthorised commercial uses. These aspects can include a person’s name, image, likeness and other recognisable characteristics.
The issue can become complicated when films draw inspiration from real events or feature historical footage. Filmmakers may argue that their work tells a distinct story, while the individuals depicted may raise concerns about commercial exploitation, endorsement or the use of their identity without permission.
In Ganguly’s case, the court must consider the arguments presented by both sides rather than treating the allegations as established facts. The refusal to grant an immediate stay does not, by itself, settle the legal questions raised in the petition.
The case also highlights the importance of clear permissions, contractual arrangements and careful legal review when filmmakers use material connected to real personalities.
What Happens Next
For now, Doosra has been allowed to proceed with its scheduled theatrical release. The legal challenge brought by Ganguly and Luv Films remains a separate matter that requires further consideration.
The continuing proceedings may clarify the extent of the rights claimed by the petitioners and how those claims apply to the film’s content and promotional campaign. Until the court reaches a final determination, the allegations and the filmmakers’ responses should be understood as competing legal positions.
The case is significant for both the entertainment industry and public figures seeking to protect their commercial interests. Its eventual outcome could contribute to the wider discussion in India about the balance between creative freedom, the use of real-life inspiration and the protection of personality rights.
7. Three-Line News Content
The Delhi High Court has refused to stop the release of Doosra following Sourav Ganguly’s legal challenge over alleged personality rights violations.
Ganguly and Luv Films claim the film uses elements of his cricketing identity without proper authorisation, while the filmmakers say it is not a biopic.
The film’s release has been allowed to proceed for now, with the legal dispute remaining unresolved.
8. Sources and Reference Links
1. Hindustan Times — Delhi High Court refuses to stay Doosra release.
2. India Today — Court decision and Sourav Ganguly’s legal challenge.
3. ThePrint — Report on the Doosra release petition.
4. Moneycontrol — Doosra release and personality rights dispute.
Editorial note: This article is an original rewrite based on published reporting. Before publication, check for updates to the court proceedings and distinguish allegations from established facts. Use the publication date and source attribution on your website, and avoid presenting the court’s interim decision as a final ruling. Following Google News best practices does not guarantee inclusion or ranking.
