Batwara 1947’s underwhelming run might not be producer Aamir Khan’s only concern with the film. Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) has sent a legal notice to Aamir Khan Productions (AKP), Junaid Khan, and Nikhat Khan Hegde for allegedly using copyrighted sound recordings without authorisation at the film’s promotional event on August 12. Per the notice, PPL has demanded Rs 1 crore in damages, along with applicable licence fees.
Stills from ‘Batwara 1947’
The event was attended by Batwara 1947’s stars Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta. In the notice, PPL has claimed to have evidence that the song, Pretty Woman, from Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) was played at the event without authorisation. It further stated that Sony Music Entertainment is the owner of the track, while PPL holds public performance rights assigned or transferred to it by more than 500 music companies, including Sony.
PPL has given Aamir Khan Productions seven days to comply with its demands, failing which it will initiate civil proceedings seeking damages and injunctions, as well as a criminal complaint under the Copyright Act. Confirming the development, GB Aayeer, CEO, PPL, told mid-day, “Following the licensing framework not only ensures compliance with the law, but also strengthens the creative ecosystem.”
‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’
A source close to Aamir Khan Productions, however, stated that it was Zinta’s personal visit to the college. The source said, “The song was played independently by the college. Any inquiry arising in relation to its playing ought to be addressed between PPL and the college. Neither AKP nor Preity are connected with said matter.”
The production house vis DSK legal responded late evening on Friday saying, “Our clients deny all the allegations, statements, contentions and averments made by your client in the said notice. Our clients state that they have neither organised nor conducted the said event. The said event was organised entirely by Hindu College, Delhi. Our clients’ representatives attended the said event merely as guests and had no role whatsoever in organising, conducting or managing the said event, nor did our clients exercise any control over the sound recordings played or the manner in which the said event was conducted.”
According to reports, Sunny Deol is upset with producer Aamir Khan for rejecting a lucrative OTT offer for ‘Batwara 1947’. While Deol wanted to sign the deal, Khan apparently wanted to explore an alternative OTT release strategy.