Biopics on Kempe Gowda in a legal tussle over title

In April, director TS Nagabharana and his team, behind the Dhananjaya-starrer, secured a stay order against director Dinesh Baboo’s project, claiming their long-standing rights to the title "Nadaprabhu Kempegowda." They argue that this title has been registered and maintained by Nagabharana for over a decade, with regular updates and payments to ensure compliance with title registration rules.

Nagabharana's son, director Pannaga Bharana, emphasized that the Upendra-starrer team violated these rules by not properly registering their title and merely adding an extra word, which is not permissible. Pannaga stated, “Everyone has the freedom to work on any film, unless they are not violating any set rules. If the team goes ahead with their current title, we will raise an objection to the use of a title that is too similar to what we have registered and have been working on for years.”

On the other side, film producer Dr. Kiran Thotambyle, associated with the Upendra-starrer, maintains that titles cannot be exclusively copyrighted. He stated, “Arguments have been heard from both parties. We’re awaiting a court decision in the first week of July regarding the ongoing legal dispute over the film’s title. Films having the same subject as a core element have been made previously in Indian cinema. As per previous ruling, no one has the copyright right over a title. We are waiting for the final verdict which we believe will clear any legal hurdles allowing us to begin shooting next month as planned.”

As of now, the legal battle continues, with both teams awaiting a court decision that will determine the fate of their respective film titles and potentially influence the commencement of their production schedules.