Is the “Dhurandhar” Reign Under Threat? Aditya Dhar Faces Dual Legal Battles!

Industry Buzz, News Published: 3 min read Mayur Shinde
Aditya Dhar Legal Controversy

Director Aditya Dhar is currently riding a massive wave of success with the record-breaking box office run of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge. However, the filmmaker finds himself in the crosshairs of two major legal disputes that could set significant precedents for the Indian film industry. From copyright infringement claims over an iconic 80s track to intense defamation suits regarding script originality, the stakes have never been higher.

The “Oye Oye” Controversy: Trimurti Films vs. B62 Studios

The most recent development, as of April 9, 2026, involves a legal clash over musical nostalgia. Trimurti Films, the production house founded by Gulshan Rai and helmed by Rajiv Rai, has moved against Aditya Dhar’s B62 Studios.

The bone of contention? The use of the legendary song “Gajar Ne Kiya Hai Ishara (Oye Oye)” from the 1989 blockbuster Tridev. Trimurti Films alleges that the filmmakers incorporated the track without securing the necessary intellectual property licenses.

  • The Court’s Stance: The Delhi High Court has refrained from issuing an immediate injunction to stop the film’s screening or remove the song. Instead, the court has directed both parties toward mediation on April 22, seeking an amicable settlement.
  • The Industry Impact: This case raises a critical question: Can filmmakers rely on “fair use” for nostalgia, or is every second of a classic track a potential multi-crore liability?

Script Plagiarism or Calculated Defamation?

While the music battle heats up in Delhi, a different drama is unfolding at the Bombay High Court. Filmmaker Santosh Kumar recently went public with claims that the plot of Dhurandhar 2 was lifted from his registered script, titled ‘D Saheb’.

In a swift counter-move, Aditya Dhar filed a defamation suit to protect his reputation. On April 8, 2026, Justice Abhay Ahuja provided Dhar with a significant victory. The court restrained Santosh Kumar from making further “script theft” allegations, noting a lack of prima facie evidence. The next hearing is scheduled for April 16, where the court will further examine the “originality” of the cinematic universe Dhar has created.

Feature Details
Current Status Ongoing mediation and defamation proceedings.
Major Players Aditya Dhar, Trimurti Films, Santosh Kumar.
Core Issue Unlicensed song usage and allegations of script theft.
Search Intent Users looking for “Aditya Dhar latest news” and “Dhurandhar 2 legal update.”

Why is everyone searching for Aditya Dhar’s legal status?

Dhar recently revealed that he originally envisioned Dhurandhar as a single massive epic. The film reached a length of seven hours during the editing process, which prompted the team to split the story into two parts. This decision has now generated a cumulative box office collection of over ₹1,600 Crores.

The legal battles add a layer of “real-world” tension to the film’s fictional intensity. Will a settlement with Trimurti Films eat into the profits? Or will the “Oye Oye” track be permanently muted in digital versions?

Key Questions

  • Is it fair for old production houses to demand massive royalties decades later?
  • Can a 7-hour film survive the modern attention span if not split into parts?
  • Will the April 16 hearing reveal the “original source” of the Dhurandhar script?

Final Verdict

This isn’t just a “lawsuit story” – it’s a story about Power vs. Property. Use titles like “The ₹1600 Crore Legal Headache” or “Did Aditya Dhar Steal the Oye Oye Vibe?” to maximize CTR. The mix of a box-office behemoth and high-court drama makes this the most “discoverable” topic in Indian entertainment today.

FAQ
Is there a legal case against Aditya Dhar for Dhurandhar 2?
Yes, he is currently facing two major cases: a copyright suit regarding the song "Oye Oye" and a defamation suit related to script theft claims.
Why is Trimurti Films suing Aditya Dhar's B62 Studios?
Trimurti Films alleges that the song "Gajar Ne Kiya Hai Ishara" was used in Dhurandhar 2 without obtaining proper intellectual property licenses.
What did the court say about the Dhurandhar 2 script theft case?
The Bombay High Court has restrained filmmaker Santosh Kumar from making further plagiarism allegations against Dhar, citing a lack of prima facie evidence.
Will Dhurandhar 2 be removed from theaters due to the lawsuit?
Currently, there is no stay on the film. The Delhi High Court has directed the parties to mediation on April 22, 2026.
Is Dhurandhar 2 a real story or a copied script?
While allegations were made by Santosh Kumar, Aditya Dhar maintains it is an original work that was initially a massive 7-hour single script.