Filmmaker Aanand L Rai has responded to a Rs 84 crore lawsuit filed by Eros International Media Ltd, accusing him and his production company of unauthorized use of intellectual property related to the 2013 film. Raanjhanaa.
Aanand L Rai reacts to Rs 84 crore lawsuit over Raanjhanaa IP dispute: “I don’t think it makes any sense”
Responding to the legal action, Aanand L Rai called the controversy a routine business issue and said it did not require public speculation. Speaking to NDTV, he said, “These are part of life. When you get into business, such things keep happening. I don’t even know why, how, or where it came from. But I think it’s a legal matter, so let the legal people handle it. They have a lawyer on their side, and a lawyer from here will also respond. I don’t think it makes any sense. Anybody can say anything about anything at any time. So it’s taken very seriously.” “It’s not something to be taken up. It’s more for the lawyers to deal with because it’s a legal matter, but it’s nothing serious.”
Eros accused of misuse Raanjhanaa Intellectual property
Eros International Media Limited has alleged that Aanand L Rai and his banner, Color Yellow Media Entertainment LLP, used the content in an unlawful manner. Raanjhanaa while promoting in love with youWhich was released in theaters in November 2025.
The company claims that it has exclusive rights RaanjhanaaWhich includes copyrights, registered trademarks, characters, dialogues and sequel or remake rights. In its commercial IP suit and interim application, Eros has argued that these protected elements were used without authorization to suggest creative or narrative links between the two films.
According to a report by The Times of IndiaThe controversy started with a teaser released in July 2025. Eros alleged that the teaser contained phrases, visual cues, background score elements and references that pointed to the fictional universe. Raanjhanaa.
Character similarities and ‘spiritual sequel’ claims
A main point of contention in the lawsuit revolves around character similarity. Eros has claimed that the character of Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub is in it. in love with you His role is very similar to Murari in RaanjhanaaBoth in nature and narrative function. The company further alleges that Dhanush’s character in the new film follows the same emotional trajectory as Kundan Shankar, strengthening the notion of continuity.
Eros has said that despite issuing cease and desist notices and issuing reminders in July 2025, the marketing campaign continued in love with you As a “spiritual sequel” to Raanjhanaa. After the release of the film, the company has sought damages of Rs 84 crore citing copyright infringement, trademark infringement and passing off.
The lawsuit names multiple defendants, including Aanand L Rai, Color Yellow Media Entertainment LLP, author Himanshu Sharma, Super Cassettes Industries (T-Series), and Netflix Entertainment Services India LLP. The matter is currently in the Bombay High Court.
