This Diwali, film enthusiasts can expect an exciting showdown at the theaters, not just with the untitled project featuring Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela, but also with “Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale.” This film, a spiritual sequel to the beloved 2009 movie “Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy,” is generating a lot of buzz, especially after its recent teaser was released.
However, “Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale” has found itself caught in a controversy. A public notice from Everest Entertainment, the company behind the original film, claims that they hold all intellectual property rights associated with “Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy.” This notice implies that Everest Entertainment is the sole legal owner of the film’s script, music, and other related rights, which will last for 60 years.
The notice warns that only Everest Entertainment has the right to produce any sequels or prequels. It states that no one, including director Mahesh Manjrekar and his associates, has the authority to negotiate any rights related to the film without permission from Everest. Unauthorized agreements would go against Everest’s legal ownership.
Everest’s notice also invites anyone who believes they have a claim related to the film’s rights to submit it in writing within 14 days. Claims not supported by adequate documentation would not be considered.
Attempts to reach out to Mahesh Manjrekar for comments on the situation have been unsuccessful.
“Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy” featured Sachin Khedekar as Dinkar, a man struggling with his identity as a Maharashtrian in Mumbai. The film follows Dinkar after he expresses regret over his roots, leading to an encounter with the spirit of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, played by Manjrekar. The film gained immense popularity, becoming one of the highest-grossing Marathi films ever upon its release on April 3, 2009.
In “Punha Shivajiraje Bhosale,” Siddharth Bodke takes on the role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Mahesh Manjrekar, who was involved in creating the original film, has not only written but also directed this new installment, which is produced by Rahul Puranik and Rahul Sugandh. The cast also includes Sayaji Shinde, Treesha Thosar, Bhargav Jagtap, Vikram Gaikwad, Mangesh Desai, and Shashank Shende.
