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.
