New Delhi: In the latest development, the Delhi High Court has granted relief to Amazon Prime Video over the Drishyam movie dispute. The court has now restrained Malayalam actor Mohanlal‘s production house, Aashirwad Cinemas, from entering into any agreement with any other OTT platform.
Delhi HC restrains Drishyam 3 producer
In the ex-parte order passed on April 7, the Delhi HC protected the commercial interest of Amazon Prime Video. The online streaming giant moved the court, claiming that it had signed an agreement with Aashirwad Cinemas in 2020, which reserved its rights over the future movies in the Drishyam franchise.
Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar said, “Till the next date of hearing, the Respondents are restrained from creating or otherwise dealing with any third-party rights in respect of the non-linear internet-based rights in the film tentatively titled Drishyam 3.”
What’s the Drishyam dispute all about?
In its plea, Amazon stated that as per an ‘Amazon Option’ clause in the agreement, the platform has the exclusive first right to negotiate renewal of license if a new Drishyam movie is in works. It also stated that under the said clause, the production house was precluded from engaging with any third party.
When Amazon learned about a third-party offer, the online streaming giant entered into negotiations with Aashirwad Cinemas. However, the conflict emerged when the production house unilaterally terminated the agreement during the negotiations and stated that it would proceed with alternative offers.
Following the negotiations, Amazon moved the court seeking interim measures to protect its rights under the agreement. Amazon further sought directions to stop Aashirwad Cinemas from creating any third-party rights in the third installment of Drishyam, starring Mohanlal.
On April 7, the court granted an interim injunction in favour of Amazon Prime Video. On the other hand, during the hearing on April 20, Amazon informed the court that both parties are involved in the process of settling the dispute and may reach a mutual consent within two weeks. The next hearing is now scheduled to take place in May 15.