An under-production Odia film reportedly based on the life of legendary music director, litterateur and singer late Akshaya Mohanty has entered into court litigation. Adjudicating over a petition filed by Mohanty’s wife Prabina, a lower court here has issued notices to respondents, including the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), returnable by November 27.
Stating that the producers had not taken permission from the family before making the film, the petitioner has alleged that the movie is purportedly being made casting aspersions on the life of her husband. Seeking a damage of Rs10 lakh, the petitioner has urged the Cuttack Civil Judge Court to restrain the producers from going ahead with the project.
It may be recalled that the Mohanty’s widow had also slapped a legal notice on film director Sushant Mani last year invoking the provisions of law of Intellectual Property as the film was made on the basis of Mohanty’s book Aryadasra Atmalipi.
Refuting the allegations made in the petition, Mani said the film titled Smruti Tume is not based on the life of Akshaya Mohanty. He, however, said he is making the film within the legal space available to a filmmaker and shall abide by the law of the land. Over 90 per cent of the film has already been shot with Brahmapur BJD MP Sidhhant Mohapatra in lead role.