Producer Aascar Ravichandran to move Madras High Court against Ranveer Singh's 'Anniyan' remake

As is known, two major forces of Indian cinema - iconic director Shankar and Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh are coming together for the remake of the filmmaker's 2005 cult blockbuster 'Anniyan'. However, even before the cast has begun shooting, the film has found itself in the middle of a huge controversy involving a public feud over the rights of the remake of the movie.

The original hit film was produced by Aascar Ravichandran and directed by S Shankar.  Earlier this year, Anniyan's producer V Ravichandran stated that the film's story rights belonged to him and that the records are available for the same. He urged Shankar to stop work on the project with immediate effect, saying that he is also sending a legal notice to him. "I am the Producer of the said movie Anniyan. The entire story right was purchased by me from the writer Sujatha (alias late Rangarajan) for which full payment was done by me to him. As such, any such adoption or remaking or copying the main plot of the said movie, without my permission, is totally illegal" read the letter from Ravichandran.

In response to Ravichandran's letter, Shankar too issued a long statement and said "I am shocked to receive your mail stating that you own the storyline of the movie Anniyan."In his office al statement, Shankar said, "Given that the script vests with me, I am absolutely entitled to exploit the same in any manner I deem fit. In fact, you/your entity does not have the right to remake or make any derivative rights for “Anniyan”, as the said rights have not been granted to you in writing. In the absence of any assignment in writing from me, there can be no basis whatsoever to even assert that the “storyline” vests with you."

Now, as per a report in the ETimes, Ravichandran has decided to take legal action against both Shankar and Jayantilal Gada and drag them to Madras High Court over the matter. Ravichandran has lodged a complaint with the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce (SIFFCC). The producer has reiterated that the rights of 'Anniyan' belong to him and no one can create a remake without his consent. Ravichandran said, "He can say and claim anything, but everyone knows that 'Anniyan' is my movie and I hired him to direct the film."

"I am going to court against Shankar and Jayantilal Gada. They cannot make the film without my consent as I own the copyright of the film and no other person has the right over it as I am the author of the movie," Ravichandran was quoted telling the publication. 

Ravichandran also said that he was shocked when he got to know about the remake of the film after it was announced on social media. "I was shocked that without my knowledge, a remake of the film was announced. It must be the first time that something like this has happened in our cinema," Ravichandran concluded. 

On the occasion of Tamil New year on Wednesday, Shankar had taken to social media and made the grand announcement of his collaboration with Ranveer Singh. He added that Ranveer was a maverick and charismatic showman that no one else could play. 

For the uninformed, 'Anniyan' is a 2005 action-thriller in Tamil, starring Vikram, Sadha, Prakash Raj, and Vivek.