Delhi High Court denies interim stay on release of film Doosra

The Delhi High Court on Thursday declined to grant an interim stay on the release of the upcoming film Doosra. Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and production house Luv Films had sought the injunction, alleging that the filmmakers unauthorizedly exploited Ganguly’s identity and professional achievements.

The plaintiffs contend that the film, scheduled for theatrical release on October 23, 2026, leverages Ganguly’s public image without consent, potentially impacting an authorized biopic currently under development. Conversely, the defense argued that Doosra is not a biographical film but a fictional narrative featuring a character inspired by the cricketer. They maintained that the necessary licensing for match footage used in the production was obtained from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

This legal challenge highlights the evolving judicial framework regarding personality rights in India. The court is currently examining the scope of these rights, weighing them against freedom of speech and the fair use of public imagery. Amicus curiae have urged the bench to adopt a structured approach, distinguishing between claims of privacy, defamation, and commercial misuse rather than issuing broad injunctions.

The final ruling on this matter is expected to set a critical precedent for how film studios, digital platforms, and content creators navigate the use of archival footage and celebrity likenesses in commercial media.