The complainant, a Germany-based Malayali author, sought clearance of copyright claims before the film's release.
Published Aug 08, 2024 | 2:18 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 08, 2024 | 2:18 PM
Legal notice issued to 'Barroz' makers over copyright infringement. (X)
Mohanlal’s debut directorial Barroz has landed in legal trouble. A Germany-based Malayali author, George Thundiparambil, accused the makers of copyright infringement.
In his legal notice, George Thundiparambil mentioned that there are similarities between his 2008 novel “Maya” and the screenplay of Barroz. The film is claimed to have been adapted from the “Barroz: Guardian of D’Gama’s Treasure” novel penned by writer-actor-director-producer Jijo Punnoose.
George Thundiparambil’s “Maya” is centred around the Fort Kochi legend of Kappiri Muthappan, an African slave-turned-mythical guardian of his master’s treasure. The writer alleged that the core concept of his book was unlawfully appropriated for the Malayalam film.
In his legal notice, George Thundiparambil also stated that his friend took a copy of “Maya” to filmmaker TK Rajeev Kumar in 2016, with the idea of adapting it into a film. It was then decided that the idea would be discussed with Jijo Punnoose.
The Germany-based Malayali author claimed that he was not informed about the next events and now, Rajeev Kumar has been credited as one of the writers of Barroz.
George Thundiparambil averred that the legend of Kappiri is popular and, therefore, can’t be copyrighted. He added that it was his treatment of the story that stands out in the book.
The legal notice has been sent to Barroz director-actor Mohanlal, Jijo Punnoose, TK Rajeev Kumar, and producer Antony Perumbavoor. It has been mentioned in the notice that these people will have to clear the copyright claims before going ahead with the film’s release.
The makers are yet to respond to the legal notice.
In another turn of events, Jijo Punnoose announced his disassociation from Mohanlal’s debut directorial, saying that it was “no longer” his film.
In his blog, Jijo Punnoose explained how his original script was changed multiple times over the years. The writer-filmmaker said he wanted the focus to be on the little girl who can see and talk to the ghost of Kappiri. But the final draft by Mohanlal had the main focus on the ghost, which is being played by the actor himself.
Interestingly, George Thundiparambil said even though the makers claimed that their film is based on Jijo Punnoose’s novel, he couldn’t find it anywhere in the market.
The Germany-based writer stated that he read a few chapters from Jijo Punnoose’s novel, available on his production house’s website, and they were quite similar to what he had written in his novel “Maya“, including the mention of the girl who can see the ghost.
The makers premiered the trailer for Barroz a a PVR screen in Mumbai recently. However, it is yet to be launched officially.
Barroz is a fantasy film. Its 3D poster, released earlier this year, featured Mohanlal along with a girl child. As per the novel, Barroz is the guardian of Vasco da Gama’s hidden treasure for over four centuries.
Mohanlal plays the titular role in the film. Maya, Sara Vega, Tuhin Menon, Cesar Lorente Raton, Kallirroi Tziafeta, and Guru Somasundaram are the supporting cast.
Antony Perumbavoor of Aashirvad Cinemas is backing Barroz. Santosh Shivan is the cinematographer and B Ajithkumar is the editor. Lydian Nadhaswaram is composing the music. Mark Kilian is composing the background score.
The movie is slated for a worldwide release on 12 September.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
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