The Delhi High Court took this strict decision on the basis of a petition filed by Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd. and Sholay Media and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., who claimed to have the legal right over the movie.
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 GP 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."
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."