Rakshit Shetty gets anticipatory bail on copyright claims case against Bachelor Party
By : Bhavana Sharma
Update: 2024-08-03 18:51 GMT
Yeshwanthpur police station in Bangalore was the place where Kannada actor and full time filmmaker Rakshit Shetty appeared before August 2 to give his statement over a copyright violation issue filed against his banner – Paramvah Studios – for the movie ‘Bachelor Party’. The FIR followed suit soon after, thanks to a complaint filed by MRT Music. This made Paramvah Studios decide to address it through legal means hence obtaining anticipatory bail for Rakshit at the same time.
Talking outside the police station, Rakshit repeated what he had said earlier in an open letter on social media through which Paravam studios had given its stand. The studio plans to go to court, saying there was no copyright infringement. He further stressed that if any violation is found, this case would provide clarity for both Paramvah Studios and other filmmakers who are unsure about what amounts to copyright infringement.
Copyright disputes information
Two old Kannada songs used in Bachelor Party are central points of controversy: one briefly played on a television in the background while another was sung by a student in a school setting. Although admitting that there were talks between them and MRT Music as concerns those songs with huge royalty costs involved but which failed when MRT Music stopped responding, he stated that these songs did not attract much attention or make money for them.
According to him, the use of such songs was not very extensive or even commercial. “When we make films our aim is always portraying life as realistically as possible. People listen music; does it mean we can’t show this because of these rules? So if let’s say we have remixed a song and want to earn income from it then yes but not here,” he said.
Ramifications on industry
He highlighted that many times various music companies institute lawsuits against Kannada films even using just one song as a mobile phone ringtone. Thus, the entire industry is counting on this case for definitive answers on copyright issues. “We don’t know about it and this is what music companies are exploiting. This case will enlighten us about the same and how we can utilize Kannada film music,” he pointed out suggesting that clear guidelines on royalty payments should be in place. Rakshit made it categorically obvious that there would be no settlement this time round.
The Way Forward
Paramvah Studios wants to challenge the FIR legally so as to create a historical milestone that will benefit the whole of,Kannada film industry. In addition to dealing with the immediate crisis, Rakshit’s proactive approach tries to establish clearer norms and equitable practices in music used by movie makers.
The current state of affairs in regards to the case is being followed closely by many stakeholders who would like to know if it will change future trends pertaining copyrighting within Kannada cinema world.
Talking outside the police station, Rakshit repeated what he had said earlier in an open letter on social media through which Paravam studios had given its stand. The studio plans to go to court, saying there was no copyright infringement. He further stressed that if any violation is found, this case would provide clarity for both Paramvah Studios and other filmmakers who are unsure about what amounts to copyright infringement.
Copyright disputes information
Two old Kannada songs used in Bachelor Party are central points of controversy: one briefly played on a television in the background while another was sung by a student in a school setting. Although admitting that there were talks between them and MRT Music as concerns those songs with huge royalty costs involved but which failed when MRT Music stopped responding, he stated that these songs did not attract much attention or make money for them.
According to him, the use of such songs was not very extensive or even commercial. “When we make films our aim is always portraying life as realistically as possible. People listen music; does it mean we can’t show this because of these rules? So if let’s say we have remixed a song and want to earn income from it then yes but not here,” he said.
Ramifications on industry
He highlighted that many times various music companies institute lawsuits against Kannada films even using just one song as a mobile phone ringtone. Thus, the entire industry is counting on this case for definitive answers on copyright issues. “We don’t know about it and this is what music companies are exploiting. This case will enlighten us about the same and how we can utilize Kannada film music,” he pointed out suggesting that clear guidelines on royalty payments should be in place. Rakshit made it categorically obvious that there would be no settlement this time round.
The Way Forward
Paramvah Studios wants to challenge the FIR legally so as to create a historical milestone that will benefit the whole of,Kannada film industry. In addition to dealing with the immediate crisis, Rakshit’s proactive approach tries to establish clearer norms and equitable practices in music used by movie makers.
The current state of affairs in regards to the case is being followed closely by many stakeholders who would like to know if it will change future trends pertaining copyrighting within Kannada cinema world.