The Bombay High Court has granted Ramayana interim protection against piracy ahead of its November 5 theatrical release. The order targets unauthorised recording and distribution and directs internet service providers and social media platforms to block pirated material after receiving a complaint from the production company.
Court Issues Interim Anti-Piracy Order
Justice Madhav Jamdar passed the order on Monday while hearing a copyright infringement suit filed by Godpower Media Private Limited. The company holds the film’s copyright and exploitation rights in India and overseas territories. The court’s interim protection restrains unidentified individuals from recording, uploading or streaming the movie without authorisation. It also covers the film’s protected creative material, including its script, characters, footage, lyrics and recordings.
Platforms Asked to Act on Complaints
The court directed internet service providers and social media platforms to take down or block pirated content when the production company submits a complaint. The company told the court that footage from both trailers had allegedly been secretly recorded during exclusive preview screenings and circulated online, despite confidentiality agreements. It expressed concern that unauthorised recordings could continue once the film reaches theatres. Lawyers representing Google and other social media platforms did not oppose the plea and assured the court they would act on piracy complaints.
Production Cost and Copyright Claims
During the hearing, the court was told that the first part of Ramayana had been produced at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore, with the two-part project’s combined budget put at Rs 4,000 crore. These figures were presented by the production company as part of its case for protection. The suit seeks to prevent unauthorised use and circulation of the film’s material as its release approaches.
Ranbir Kapoor Leads the Cast
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana, marking Yash’s Hindi cinema debut. Sunny Deol plays Hanuman, Ravi Dubey portrays Lakshman and Arun Govil appears as King Dashrath. The film is produced by Namit Malhotra through Prime Focus Studios, alongside Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. Its first part is scheduled to release in theatres on November 5.
