Director Anil Sharma is amused that he, along with his producer Vijay Galani and actor-writer Salman Khan, are being sued for a line of dialogue in their just-released film,
Veer
.
Reacting to the case filed in the Delhi High Court by Gurgaon-based writer Pavan Chaudhary against the trio over plagiarism, Sharma laughs, “This is the funniest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Wordy woes
Chaudhary has moved court for the lifting of the concept, ‘India should not be a
sone ki chidiya
but a
baaz
, from his book
Safalta ki Triveni: Chanakya Ka Rajnitik Gyan
, with an English translated version,
Trilogy Of Wisdom
. He’s claiming Rs 20 lakh in damages.
That’s not good news for the film’s makers given that the trade buzz is that the film has failed to set the box-office afire. Sharma however insists that
Veer
is doing well in the northern belt and small centers. “Single screen theatres are packing in the crowds, collections are good. If any other film grosses Rs 25 crore it is a hit.
Veer
{{/usCountry}}Veer
{{/usCountry}} has grossed more than Rs 70 crore in first five days, yet people are running it down” he grouses.
Sharma is unperturbed over the injunction that seeks a ban on screenings. “These days it’s not unusual for people to use movies to popularise their books,” he points out, obviously referring to the Chetan Bhagat controversy over
3 Idiots
.
“The issue in dispute is only a line that anyway is a common statement. The media should not give any importance to this man. Salman, who has written and acted in the film, doesn’t even think it necessary to react to the controversy,” said Sharma.
Producer Galani too dismisses the case as` no issue. “This guy is claiming credit and damages for barely 10 words. Ridiculous! My lawyers are handling it,” is all he has to say on the matter that he reminds you is subjudiced. “I’ll be in a better position to talk after the verdict is out.”