Marathi director accuses Shoojit Sircar of plagiarism, says Varun Dhawan-starrer ‘October’ copy of her film
Sarika alleged that ‘October’ is a copy of her film ‘Aarti The Unknown Love Story’
Marathi filmmaker Sarika Mene has alleged the National Award-winning director Shoojit Sircar’s upcoming film ‘October’ is a copy of her film ‘Aarti The Unknown Love Story’.
Sarika has claimed that the makers of ‘October’ have lifted the main plot point and characters from her 2017 production. The allegation comes a week before the Varun Dhawan-starrer is set to hit theaters.
“When the trailer was out, I did get a gut feeling that it would be same, I was wondering such a big name would not do this to me so I thought it will be (just a) little glance of my film.
“When the film released and I saw it, it was 90 percent same. He (Shoojit) is such a respected person… I have seen his films like ‘Piku’, ‘Vicky Donor’ I was like he has a (story) sense I am shocked he did this,” Sarika told PTI.
She first filed a complaint with the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Chitrapat Maha Mandal, that represents Marathi filmmakers, and later approached the Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association (IMPPA) and Screen Writers Association.
“The complaint was filed a week back and so far we have not got any response. I kept quiet because I wanted to know things from him.
“I have my evidence, I would want him to show his evidence. I feel there is something wrong as why he is taking so much time to reply as it (‘October’) is your baby, you need to respond immediately,” she said.
In response, Shoojit told the agency, “We have received a letter. And we will surely respond to the letter officially… We will let you know our official statement.”
Sarika added that a criminal complaint has been filed against Shoojit and ‘October’ writer Juhi Chaturvedi at the Vile Parle police station.
The upcoming director said she has been asked to show her film to the associations.
“I was pleading with them to see my film first and then watch ‘October’ and they finally want to see it now. I want justice on the basis of merit. I don’t know how much time it will take to sort this thing out,” she added.
However, the director said ‘October’ is a brilliant work. “I am nothing in front of them, I am just a starter. I did this film for my brother, my intention was to talk about causes through cinema.
“I appreciate their work. But their claim about the story line or plot line being imaginary and a work of fiction, is wrong, it is a theft. You can’t steal anybody’s work. There was a way for doing this, you could have taken the rights and made this film,” Sarika said.
