Director Saurabh Varma files a case against Dar Motion Pictures

Director Saurabh Varma files a case against Dar Motion Pictures
Tuesday, March 11, 2014 14:16 IST
Looks like the production house Dar Motion Pictures is now making a habit of getting into trouble. Earlier, Nitin Keni served them a legal notice on behalf of Zee's Essel Vision when despite being a co-producer for The Lunchbox, they were not kept in the loop about awarding the film's distribution rights to UTV and Karan Johar.

Soon after, D-Day director Nikhil Advani expressed his anger against Dar Motion Pictures on social media. He was upset about the production house selling the Telugu rights of the film to a distributor who, in turn, showcased it as a sleazy film by using a scantily clad photograph of Shruti Hassan in the film's publicity material. Shruti disassociated herself from the film and is said to be upset with the production house. Recently, it emerged that noted criminal Charles Sobhraj has sent them a legal notice restraining them from making a biopic on his life.

The latest news has it that Saurabh Varma, the writer and director of Mickey Virus, has sent registered a complaint against Dar Motion Pictures with the Indian Films and Television Directors Association (IFTDA. Varma has also filed a case over non-payment of dues and for allegedly stopping him from working on other projects.

Says a source, `Mickey Virus was one of the highest grossing films of 2013 in the new actor and new director category, and it was sold to two co-producers - Trilogic Media and Awesome Films - soon after the first promo was out. Post this, Dar has shown no interest in sharing the income with the film's stakeholders or selling the film's satellite rights.`

He adds that he doesn't want to say much right now. `I just wanted them to honour their commitment and give me my dues as per the contractual understanding. I am a filmmaker who wants to make good films and they are being unreasonable in restricting me from doing so.`

Ashok Pandit, President, IFTDA, says, `Saurabh has been wronged by the production house. We have sent a notice to them and they will have to appear at the dispute committee meeting next week. You cannot make a producer wait for three years. Either make films with him or they should let him make films outside the banner.`

When contacted, Vivek Rangachari from Dar Motion Pictures denied any knowledge about Saurabh registering a case against them. `I have been travelling and I will have to speak to my lawyer to check if we have received a notice, because I am not aware of it as yet,` he said. Asked about Varma's dues, Rangachari said, `We need to see that the script is up to the mark and the rest will be sorted out with Saurabh.`
Navjot Singh Sidhu Returns to The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 3: Laughter, Legacy, and a Legendary Comeback!

Comedy fans, rejoice! Former cricketer, politician, and television personality Navjot Singh Sidhu is

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Puja Sharma Makes Power-Packed Comeback After 7 Years with a Bold Grey Role in Star Plus' Jhanak!

After a seven-year hiatus, actress Puja Sharma is back — and she’s returning with fire in her eyes. Known

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Kamya Punjabi Breaks the Silence -'Me No Pause Me Play' Becomes the World's First Film on Menopause!

A historic cinematic moment unfolded today as the muhurat of “Me No Pause Me Play” was held in

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Father figures on-screen, real connections off-screen: Sony SAB artists celebrate fatherhood this Father's Day!

On the special occasion of Father's Day, Sony SAB actors share their personal experiences and thoughts

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
DocuBay Announces its Next Original Documentary - Gateway of Europe - The Migrant Crisis!

DocuBay, the leading platform for premium documentaries and part of IN10 Media Network, is set to

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT