Madras HC Grants Stay on Release of “Main Hoon Rajinikanth”

Madras HC granted stay based on an application filed by Shivaji Rao Gaikwad (Rajinikanth) on release of Hindi film “Main Hoon Rajinikanth” and use of Rajinikanth’s “name, image, caricature, style of delivering dialogues” in the film.

The Madras High Court granted an injunction till September 25 restraining Varsha Productions, Mumbai, from using actor Rajinikanth’s name, image, caricature and style of delivering dialogues in the forthcoming feature film Main Hoon Rajinikanth.

In his petition, Rajinikanth said he has “never endorsed” any film or product using his name as it might “mislead his fans”. He also said that, the producer had exploited his superhero image in various movies for the benefit of the proposed feature film. The film also had scenes with immoral content, he alleged.

It was contented that, the producer had not obtained his consent to use his name/caricature/image and style of delivering dialogues. This amounted to violation of his copyright. Rajinikanth also contended that a film based on his “name or image” is a violation of his “privacy” and accused the producer of cashing on his “super hero image”.

While hearing the petition, Justice S. Tamilvanan, issued an interim stay on the release of the film with the title and content. Main Hoon Rajinikanth directed by Faisal Saif, featuring actor Adithya Menon in the lead as a CBI officer-cum-contract killer Rajinikanth Rao. The film, produced by Varsha Production House, also features Kavita Radheshyam, Smita Gondkar, Reema Lagoo, Sunil Pal, Ganesh Yadav and Shakti Kapoor in important roles.