High Court Summons Netflix and ‘Animal’ Co-Producer Over OTT Release Plea

The Delhi High Court has summoned Netflix India, Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd (T-Series) and Cluver Max Entertainment Pvt Ltd (formerly Sony Pictures), co-producers of the Bollywood film Animal, as per PTI. Cine 1 Studios’ plea seeks to halt the release of Animal on digital and satellite platforms

The Delhi High Court has summoned Super Cassettes and Netflix as Cine 1 Studios, a co-producer of Bollywood film Animal, seeks to halt the movie’s digital release. The court responded to concerns about streaming and satellite broadcasting. Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and featuring Ranbir Kapoor, premiered in theaters on December 1, 2023, with a Netflix release scheduled for January 26. This legal action adds a new twist to the film’s journey, bringing courtroom drama off-screen. Stay tuned for updates as the legal tussle unfolds over the fate of Animal in the digital realm.

The high court told Super Cassettes Industries Pvt Ltd and Cluver Max Entertainment Pvt Ltd to appear because of a dispute with Cine 1 Studios Pvt Ltd over a film. They need to admit or deny documents presented by Cine 1 Studios, or their statements won’t be accepted. The court registered the case as a suit and issued summons. Cine 1 Studios claimed they weren’t paid, while Super Cassettes said they paid Rs 2.6 crore, not disclosed to the court. Cine 1 argued the shown document was fake. The court set a date for more details on March 15, warning against unjustifiably denying documents.

Cine 1 Studios claims Super Cassettes owes them money despite a profit-sharing deal. They had a 35% share and intellectual property rights in the film. Super Cassettes allegedly spent money without approval, didn’t share revenue details, and didn’t pay Cine 1. Super Cassettes argues Cine 1 invested nothing and concealed giving up intellectual property rights for Rs 2.6 crore. They say Cine 1 deleted the 35% rights clause in an amended agreement. Super Cassettes accuses Cine 1 of hiding critical info. The court is now sorting through these claims in a legal battle over financial and contractual disputes.