| Ajay Devgan has succeeded in getting an enquiry instituted against Yash Raj Films in the Jab Tak Hai Jaan versus Son Of Sardaar case but his attempt to get relief for his own film failed.
Here’s what Ajay’s lawyers have to say: “The Competition Appellate Tribunal has seen merit in our case and has issued notice for enquiring into the anti competitive activities of YRF about the tie-in arrangement to block our movie Son Of Sardaar on the day of Diwali. While looking at YRF’s own damning statement that only 821 theatres which have already executed agreement with YRF for showing Jab Tak Hai Jaan on the Diwali day, had a so-called tie-in arrangement in comparison to 1,407 single-screens for Ek Tha Tiger, the Competition Appellate Tribunal did not provide an interim relief. This leaves the balance screens which have not executed agreements with YRF to show Jab Tak Hai Jaan till date, to be free to exhibit Son Of Sardaar without any tie-in arrangement of YRF. This would include 586 single-screens which had earlier shown Ek Tha Tiger. Accordingly, we would now be approaching all theatres which have not executed any agreement for showing Jab Tak Hai Jaan for exhibiting our movie. However, if the above facts are found to be false, which would be proven through evidence after the release of the movie, we would not only continue to fight against YRF’s anti-competitive activities on our own behalf but also on behalf of the entire industry.” Ajay Devgan spoke to me ten minutes back and reiterated that he would continue his fight after the release of his film. “I am not foolish to spend the money I am spending on this case, without a base. I may end up spending Rs. 50-60 lakh. I have a battery of top lawyers arguing my case. Are they stupid to take up my case if they are not convinced? I have been studying the MRTP law since the last two-three months and I know what I am doing.” The actor-producer, who did not seem tense at all, ended, “Komal, I have been reading your tweets and blogs, and I absolutely know, you are being very fair, as always. I would never say, you have sided one party over the other.” |
