Filmmaker Claims Blockbuster Film Copied His Script

Aditya Dhar's action-packed sequel Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, featuring Ranveer Singh in the lead role, has found itself embroiled in controversy just as it approaches the Rs 900 crore mark at the global box office. Independent filmmaker Santosh Kumar RS has come forward with allegations that the blockbuster film is based on a script he wrote in 2023, and he plans to pursue legal action against the production.

The Discovery of Similarities

Santosh Kumar RS revealed that he only became aware of the alleged similarities after watching the film, which has been performing exceptionally well at theaters worldwide. "You all might have watched Dhurandhar 2. It is working very well everywhere. After watching the movie, I came to know that it is my script and story," Santosh told media outlets.

The filmmaker explained that he had written the script with significant effort in 2023 and had been actively trying to get it produced through various channels. "I had written it with a lot of hard work in 2023. I had narrated it to many companies because I was told that if I need big actors in the film, there has to be a corporate organisation backing it," he said.

Script Registration and Evidence

Santosh emphasized that his claims are backed by official documentation, having registered his story with the Screenwriters Association in November 2023. "I am a member of the Screenwriters Association, and I registered my story there in November 2023," he stated, indicating that he has evidence to support his allegations.

During his attempts to develop the project, Santosh pitched the script to several major production houses including Sony Pictures, Zee Studios, T-Series, and Dharma Productions. Interestingly, he had envisioned a different lead actor during the early stages of development—Aditya Roy Kapur rather than Ranveer Singh.

Legal Action Planned

Despite acknowledging the film's commercial success, Santosh is determined to pursue legal recourse. "I am putting a case on this movie because even though they have made a good movie, my story has been exploited," he explained. "I had written the film for cinema and entertainment, but they made it as political propaganda. It is hurting me."

The filmmaker expressed concern about the broader implications of his experience. "What happened with me should not happen with anyone, and that's why I will put my maximum effort to let people know about it," he added, highlighting what he sees as a systemic issue within the industry.

Background on the Parties Involved

Santosh Kumar RS hails from Thirthahalli in Karnataka's Shivamogga district and has worked across various roles as a director, writer, and producer. He made his directorial debut with the Kannada film Campus Kranti (2023) and is currently working on Yuvan Robinhood, an upcoming pan-India action thriller slated for release in 2026.

Meanwhile, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar, features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi, and Sanjay Dutt in key roles. The film, which released on March 19, continues to dominate the box office and has become one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year.

Industry Implications

This controversy raises important questions about intellectual property protection in the Indian film industry, particularly for independent creators trying to navigate the corporate landscape of big-budget productions. Santosh's case highlights the challenges faced by writers and directors when their work is allegedly appropriated by larger production entities.

As the legal proceedings unfold, industry observers will be watching closely to see how this dispute affects the relationship between independent creators and major production houses, and what precedents it might set for future copyright claims in Bollywood.