• Source:JND
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Animal OTT Release In Trouble? Cine1 Studios Private Limited, one of the co-producers of the film ‘Animal’, has initiated legal proceedings against Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited (T-Series), asserting that both production houses had previously entered into a comprehensive agreement for the production of the film ‘Animal’. The suit seeks a directive to prevent the release of the movie ‘Animal’ on any Over-the-Top (OTT) platform, digital streaming service, or satellite broadcast.

According to the terms of this agreement, Cine1 maintains that it possesses a 35 percent stake in the profits generated by the film and is entitled to a corresponding 35 percent share of the intellectual property rights associated with the movie.

The filed suit alleges that T-Series, without obtaining prior approval from Cine1, incurred various expenses related to the production, promotion, and release of the film. Additionally, the suit claims that T-Series received revenues from box office sales without disclosing the details to Cine1. Furthermore, it is alleged that T-Series failed to fulfill its financial obligations to Cine1, as outlined in the profit-sharing agreement, despite the commercial success of the film. 

As per the filed lawsuit, in addition to the aforementioned financial breaches, the Defendant neglected to seek consultation, consent, and approval from the plaintiff concerning the release of the pre-teaser, trailer, and other promotional materials for the film. The suit further contends that the Defendant failed to ensure that the credits, as contractually agreed upon (including logos), were duly accorded and held equal prominence in all modes of promotion as well as the film itself. Moreover, the Defendant did not obtain the censor certificate jointly in the names of both the plaintiff and defendant, and there was a lack of consultation or consent regarding the marketing and publicity plan, as mentioned in the legal complaint.

Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, who appeared for Cine1, said in a statement, “They (T-Series) have been collecting all the money but I have not been paid a single penny... I have a long relationship with them but they have no respect for the agreement. I had the regard for the relationship and the sanctity of the contract, therefore, I did not rush to court.”

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Representing T-Series, Senior Advocate Amit Sibal contended that Cine1 Studios has no financial investment in the film, emphasizing that they haven't contributed even a single rupee. He pointed to an amendment dated August 2, 2022, made to the initial contract, suggesting that Cine1 purportedly relinquished all its intellectual property and derivative rights in the film. In exchange for this, Cine1 is said to have received ₹2.6 crores.

The legal representative for the plaintiff assures the court that their client will personally appear in court on Thursday. As per the lawsuit, the defendant has engaged in agreements with Netflix India for internet exploitation rights and with Sony Pictures Networks India for satellite rights to the film. The legal document notes that, in line with their ongoing behavior, the defendant, Super Cassettes, has neglected to provide any information regarding these agreements to the plaintiff.