The Madras High Court has passed an interim order restraining the release of the Telugu-dubbed version of Drishyam 3 on OTT platforms in a copyright dispute involving remake rights. The order was issued by Justice K. Kumaresh Babu on June 17, 2026.
Rajkumar Theatres Pvt. Ltd. approached the High Court claiming exclusive copyright rights to remake and commercially exploit Drishyam 3 in the Telugu language. The company sought an injunction against Aashirvad Cinemas, filmmaker Jeethu Joseph, Panorama Studio, and Pen Studios, alleging that the proposed Telugu-dubbed release would infringe its rights.
The applicant informed the Court that the film had already been released theatrically and that reports indicated its OTT release was scheduled for June 18, 2026.
During the hearing, senior advocate K. Ravi appeared for the applicant. The Court noted that despite service of private notice, none of the respondents had entered appearance or contested the application.
Justice Kumaresh Babu observed that the respondents had not appeared before the Court even though their names had been listed in the cause list.
Granting interim relief, the Court ordered, “There shall be an order of interim injunction”, restraining the respondents and persons claiming through them from exploiting the applicant’s alleged copyright by releasing the film on OTT platforms until further orders in the matter.
Case Details:
Case Title: M/s. Rajkumar Theatres Pvt. Ltd. v. Aashirvad Cinemas & Ors.
Case Number: OA No. 488 of 2026 in C.S. (Comm. Div.) No. 144 of 2026
Judge: Justice K. Kumaresh Babu
Decision Date: June 17, 2026
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