The Delhi High Court has issued summons to Netflix and Super Cassettes Industries Limited (SCI), the co-producer of the upcoming film "Animal" starring Ranbir Kapoor, on a plea seeking to restrain its release on the streaming platform.
The plea was filed by Cine1 Studios, another co-producer of the film, seeking to enforce an arbitration award that allegedly grants them exclusive theatrical rights to the movie.
Case Background
- "Animal" is a dark thriller directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his previous work on the critically acclaimed film "Kabir Singh."
- The film was originally scheduled for theatrical release on December 1, 2023, but it was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Recent reports suggest that Netflix has acquired the OTT rights to "Animal" and plans to release it on its platform on January 26, 2024.
Cine1 Studios' Argument
Cine1 Studios claims that they entered into a co-production agreement with SCI for the theatrical release of "Animal." The agreement allegedly stipulated that the film could only be released on OTT platforms after a specific window period following its theatrical run.
Cine1 Studios further argues that they invoked the arbitration clause in the agreement due to alleged breaches by SCI. The arbitration tribunal reportedly ruled in their favor, granting them exclusive theatrical rights to the film.
High Court's Order
The Delhi High Court, while acknowledging the complexity of the case, has issued summons to both Netflix and SCI, directing them to respond to the plea filed by Cine1 Studios. The court has also asked the parties involved to maintain the status quo and refrain from taking any steps that could prejudice the outcome of the case.
Potential Implications
The High Court's decision could have significant implications for the release of "Animal" and the ongoing debate surrounding theatrical vs. OTT releases. If the court upholds Cine1 Studios' claims, it could potentially delay the film's OTT release on Netflix.
This case also raises questions about the enforceability of arbitration awards in the context of co-production agreements for films. The final outcome of the case could set a precedent for future disputes involving similar arrangements.
It is important to note that this is an ongoing legal matter, and the final decision on the release of "Animal" will likely be made by the Delhi High Court after considering all arguments and evidence presented by the parties involved.
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