Nitesh Tiwari recently started the shooting of Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi starrer Ramayan. While the chatter around the rest of the cast of the magnum opus, mythological drama has been increasing, fans have also been going gaga over the candid stills. Well, it seems like the makers have another obstacle to deal with. Producer Madhu Mantena, who was initially supposed to produce the film, has threatened the makers with legal consequences over the intellectual property rights of the film.
According to the report by Koimoi, Mantena has alleged that the makers of the film are using his research material and that the payment they decided to give him for the same was never fulfilled. It is to be noted that the film was officially announced in 2021 and went on floors in 2024. Producers Allu Aravind and Prime Focus’s Namit Malhotra joined forces with Mantena for the film, back in 2020. Through a public notice, the producer has stated that he hasn’t received his payments. ALSO READ: Ramayan Controversy: Netizens FURIOUS After Sai Pallavi's Old Video Comparing Kashmiri Pandit Exodus To Cow Vigilantism Goes Viral - WATCH
Earlier known as Project Ramayana, a part of the notice reads, “The use/exploitation of the script or material or any rights of our client in Project Ramayana, by Prime Focus Technologies Limited in its upcoming film ‘Ramayana’ (being directed by Nitesh Tiwari) or by any person claiming through or under Prime Focus Technologies Limited or by any person claiming through or under Prime Focus Technologies Limited or by any other person enabling the same constitutes an infringement of our client’s copyright, for protection whereof, our client shall take the necessary steps as may be advised.” ALSO READ: Ranbir Kapoor-Sai Pallavi Starrer Ramayan Photos LEAKED! Netizens Express Excitement As Actors’ FIRST LOOK Surfaces Online
Kannada superstar Yash, who was all set to essay the role of Ravana, had opted out of the project as an actor. However, he joined hands with Namit Malhotra as a producer since they had the same vision for the film. It will be interesting to see if the KGF star would still produce the mythological film, given the recent developments.
Ramayan is directed by Nitesh Tiwari. Set to release in 2025, the film stars actors like Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Lara Dutta, Arun Govil, and many others.
Image Source: Instagram