Tensions have ignited in a legal battle revolving around the intellectual property rights (IPRs) of the highly anticipated film ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar‘. The clash has emerged between Randeep Hooda, the actor-director-producer, and the co-producers Sandeep Singh and Anand Pandit.

Randeep Hooda’s legal representatives from M/s Halai and Co. have dispatched a legal notice to Sandeep Singh and Anand Pandit, alleging that Randeep was initially “approached” for the lead role in the film even before its script had been finalized. This was at a time when the film was set to be directed by Mahesh Manjrekar.

According to Randeep’s legal team, the actor had committed his dates to the project with the understanding that filming would commence in June 2022 and wrap up by August of the same year. In light of this timeline, Randeep undertook a rigorous physical transformation, shedding a significant amount of weight within a short span of time, IANS reported.

However, with no concrete script in place, Randeep enlisted another writer. Yet, due to Mahesh Manjrekar’s shift to another project, the original director became unavailable. Seizing the opportunity, Randeep took over the directorial reins, declining a co-director role alongside Sandeep Singh.

Subsequently, Randeep learned that the film was on the verge of being shelved due to financial constraints. To salvage the project, he stepped in as a producer through Randeep Hooda Films LLP. Meanwhile, allegations have surfaced that Sandeep Singh “illegally” registered the script under his name, a move contested by Randeep’s legal team. It’s worth noting that the script had previously been registered with the Screen Writers’ Association in Mumbai, predating Sandeep Singh’s registration.

At the heart of the dispute lies the ownership rights of the film. Randeep asserts his exclusive ownership, contending that he did not receive compensation beyond the initial signing amount from Sandeep Singh and Anand Pandit.

Legal representatives of Sandeep Singh, M/s Legend Studios Private Limited, and M/s Anand Pandit Motion Pictures LLP, have issued a response to Randeep’s claims. Advocate Ravi Suryawanshi from Bar & Brief Attorneys argued that the mentioned studios are the exclusive joint producers and proprietors of the entire Intellectual Property Rights and exploitation rights of ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’.

In a statement, the legal representative of the joint producers stated, “Our clients are taken aback by the unfounded and baseless allegations made by Randeep Hooda regarding the ownership of the Intellectual Property Rights of the film. The producers, M/s Legend Studios Private Limited and M/s Anand Pandit Motion Pictures LLP, had enlisted Randeep Hooda as an actor in the film. His claims have caught them off guard, and they are currently pursuing appropriate legal measures, both civil and criminal, against Randeep Hooda.”