ApunKaChoice 

According to a newspaper report, the remake of the cult classic Sholay that has mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan in the role of Gabbar Singh, has hit a legal hurdle.

Titled Ram Gopal Varma Ki Sholay and directed by Ram Gopal Varma , the film has hit a legal speed bump.

According to the report, producers of the ‘Sholay’ remake have been served a notice by Delhi High Court based on a petition by Sippy Films and Sholay Media and Entertainment who claim copyright over the ‘Sholay’ franchise.

Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd. and Sholay Media and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. have in a petition to the Delhi High Court contended that the use of ‘Sholay’, Gabbar and Gabbar Singh by wannabes K Sera Sera and Ram Gopal Varma Productions infringes on their copyrights.

The petitioners claim that the script and screenplay of ‘Sholay’ are original literary works and they have registered the names, ‘Sholay’, Gabbar and Gabbar Singh, under the Copyright Act as well as the Trademark Act 1999.

RGV had reportedly bought the right to remake ‘Sholay’ from Ajit Sippy, son of G.P. Sippy , who produced the original 1975 blockbuster in the name of Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd. The petitioners claim "Ajit did not have any rights to sell."

The High Court has served a notice on the producers of the ‘Sholay’ asking them to respond by November 20, 2006.

RGV, somewhat facetiously, contends that since his remake is set in contemporary Bombay and uses a different title it should not raise hackles. However, Sascha Sippy of Sippy Films refutes the contention saying, "Whether the titles are similar or different is for the court to decide. In any case the issue before the court is not restricted to the title, but extends to moral rights, character's names and copyright."