MADRAS HC REFUSES BAN ON JAYALALITAA'S BIOPIC

16th March 2021

The Madras HC dismissed a Plea filed by J Deepa, niece of later former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, stating that 'A deceased person's right to privacy cannot be inherited'.

Deepa pleaded to ban Thalaivi, a biopic of J Jayalalithaa, directed by Al Vijay and starring Kangana Ranaut. The plea contended that the film raised privacy concerns relating to both herself and her aunt. Deepa further submitted that the directors should have taken due permission before writing the scripts of the film. Deepa said that she is scared that the director may portray Jayalalithaa's life in their own version, which will affect the family's privacy. She also called for a ban on Queen, a Web series based on Jayalalithaa's life.

On behalf of the director, the council argued that the film is based on a book titled THALAIVI. In addition, everything about Jayalalithaa's life was always available on mass media. Moreover, the makers have shown Jayalalithaa in good light.

The bench comprising Justices Subbiah and Sakthikumar Kurup dismissed the petition. Deepa is not entitled to an injunction on the ground that the ‘posthumous right’ of her aunt is sought to be tarnished by the respondents' film”.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal

Pc- yuva sai sagar