In a surprising turn of events, the acclaimed director Koratala Siva, behind the 2015 blockbuster film ‘Srimanthudu,’ now faces legal challenges related to copyright infringement. According to a report by Pinkvilla, Siva is confronting charges under the Copyright Infringement Act following a complaint by novelist RD Wilson, also known as Sarath Chandra.
The film, featuring Mahesh Babu in a lead role, garnered box office success but became mired in controversy when Wilson alleged that ‘Srimanthudu’ was inspired by his award-winning novel, ‘Chachenta Prema,’ published in Swathi magazine.
Legal proceedings commenced in 2017 when the parties sought relief from the Telangana High Court to halt the mounting judicial cases. Despite rejecting accusations against Naveen and G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment, the court cautiously proceeded with the trial against Koratala Siva under the Copyright Infringement Act.
Undeterred, Siva escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, hoping for a favorable outcome. However, the Supreme Court upheld the Nampally Court’s ruling, leaving the director to grapple with impending legal consequences. The focus of the allegations centers on the purported violation of the Copyright Infringement Act, marking an unexpected twist in Siva’s illustrious career.
The once-celebrated ‘Srimanthudu’ now finds itself embroiled in legal turmoil, raising questions not only about the director’s future projects but also sparking discussions within the Telugu cinema industry concerning intellectual property rights. The film, which boasted a cast including Mahesh Babu, Shruti Haasan, and Jagapathi Babu, has seen its legacy take an unforeseen trajectory amid the unfolding legal drama.