Reliance’s Jio Studios Withdraws Anti-Piracy Lawsuit for Film Dhurandhar
In a notable legal reversal, Reliance Industries Limited has withdrawn a major anti-piracy lawsuit it filed to protect its film Dhurandhar. The Madras High Court officially closed the case after lawyers for the corporate giant stated they had instructions to discontinue the proceedings. This move ends a commercial suit that targeted a wide array of telecom and cable companies.
Court Proceedings and the Withdrawal
The case was heard by Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy on February 18. The court recorded the withdrawal after counsel for Reliance informed the bench of the company’s decision. In view of this submission, the court dismissed the suit as withdrawn. No costs were imposed, and all related interim applications were closed. The judicial order did not provide any reasons for Reliance’s decision to step back.
Reliance was represented by Advocate S. Deepak, instructed by PK Law Firm. The suit had been filed by Reliance through its media division, Jio Studios. The objective was to secure permanent injunctions to prevent the unauthorized online circulation and cable transmission of the film Dhurandhar.
A Broad Legal Action Against Piracy
The lawsuit was a pre-release anti-piracy measure, a common legal strategy used by film producers ahead of a theatrical launch. It was filed under the provisions of the Copyright Act of 1957. The case named a broad spectrum of entities as defendants to create a wide protective net.
These defendants included major telecom service providers and internet intermediaries like Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), MTNL, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. The list also featured cable distribution networks such as Hathway, GTPL Hathway, Asianet Satellite Communications, and Spectra ISP Networks, along with several regional cable operators.
What the Lawsuit Sought to Achieve
Among the directions sought, Jio Studios had requested that internet and telecom companies be instructed to block access to websites found hosting pirated copies of the film. The company had also asked for orders to restrain cable operators and other platforms from facilitating cam-recording, duplication, broadcast, or distribution of the film through any channel.
Earlier, on December 5, the court had granted interim protection. This order restrained service providers and cable operators from airing or enabling access to pirated versions of Dhurandhar. This interim order is now effectively lifted with the withdrawal of the main suit.
Context and Upcoming Sequel
The withdrawal comes as the team behind Dhurandhar is preparing for the release of a sequel. The second part, titled Dhurandhar – The Revenge, is scheduled to hit cinemas on March 19. A trailer launch is expected in the coming weeks.
For investors, this legal development highlights the complex and proactive measures large media conglomerates like Reliance undertake to protect their intellectual property. The decision to withdraw a broadly targeted suit may reflect a strategic shift, a settlement, or a reassessment of the specific threats to this property as focus turns to the new release. It underscores the ongoing battle against digital piracy, a significant concern for the profitability of the film industry.
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