What the heck!That was my first reaction to this, then I just laughed at Warners. How can Hari Puttar even come close to Harry Potter? I don't see anyone wearing round glasses, has lightening bolt shaped scars or flying cars. I feel bad for the Bollywood guys. Let's wait and watch what happens today...
Do you think Hari Puttar will win this battle against Lord Warner? :P
Here's the article:
Warners suit takes issue with Indian film's title
By Nyay BhushanSun Aug 24, 9:36 PM ET
Warner Bros. has filed a lawsuit against Mumbai-based producer/distributor Mirchi Movies related to the title of its upcoming film "Hari Puttar -- A Comedy of Terrors," which Warners feels is a tad too similar to its franchise about a certain young wizard.
The case is being heard in the Bombay High Court and comes up for hearing Monday (August 25). "Hari Puttar," a comedy that centers on a 10-year-old Indian boy whose family moves to England, is slated for a September 12 release.
"We have recently commenced proceedings against parties involved in the production and distribution of a movie entitled 'Hari Puttar,"' London-based Warners spokeswoman Deborah Lincoln said. "Warner Bros. values and protects intellectual property rights. However, it is our policy not to discuss publicly the details of any ongoing litigation."
The Hari Puttar name began making the rounds here as a comic gag when the first "Harry Potter" film was released. Hari is a popular Indian name, and "puttar" means "son" in the Punjabi language.
"Since the case is sub-judice, we can't comment as of now," Mirchi Movies CEO Munish Purii said. "However, we registered the 'Hari Puttar' title in 2005, and it's unfortunate that Warner has chosen to file a case so close to our film's release. In my opinion, I don't think our title has any similarity or links with 'Harry Potter."'
"Hari Puttar" is directed by Rajesh Bajaj and Lucky Kohli and stars Jackie Shroff, Saurabh Shukla and Sarika.
Warners' next "Harry Potter" installment, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," is slated for release worldwide in July.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080825/film_nm/hari_dc
4 comments:
Yikes, it depends on how obvious of a spoof it is. And based on that poster, its not an obvious one - thus creating grounds for plagiarism.
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Even on fan-forums of Harry Potter, the verdict is that WB are being crazy by suing just beacuse of the similarity in names. Of course, at least some of the hate for WB must be coming from their decision to postpone HBP by 6 months.
Aspi, I don't think it's a spoof. But then I haven't even seen the trailer yet so can't tell. How can it be plagiarism? I don't understand.
Ray, thanks for your comment and kind words.
Amey, I think so too. I mean what harm does it do to them? It's not even exact name and it has a different meaning. I think I read that WB lost? I will have to look it up in the news.
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