Want to make a biography? Know how to safeguard yourself from legal challenges.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is back with his on screen presence with grandeur and fervour in the form of Gangubai Kathiawadi. The protagonist Gangubai played by Alia Bhatt is showcased as a sex worker. Even before the movie could make it to the screen, it is surrounded by controversy. The family of Gangubai has filed a defamation suit and asked for a stay on the release of the film claiming that their mother (Gangubai) has been shown as a sex worker in the movie and not as the social worker that she really was. The portrayal has defamed their image and hence a defamation case has been filed .
Have you ever wondered how to safeguard yourself legally in such cases while you make a documentary/biography ?
- Take prior permission from the person concerned if you want to make a film on them and in cases where that person is no longer alive, take consent from their succesors/family members. Failure to do so can result in being sued for the infringement of their right to privacy and personality rights irrespective of the fact that the person in question has been portrayed in a positive or a negative role. Contact a lawyer and be informed on prior permissions to be taken in such cases.
- Defaming a personality is not about negetive. publicity . No body would want to see themselves or their family in a negative protayal that tarnishes their image despite you have succesfully secured their rights to make a movie on them, learn how you can stop from being sued under defamation.
- Safeguard yourself from being slammed with suits and stay orders. Have a doubt, clear it out.
Got questions? Please get in touch with us to know all about copyright and infringement regarding the rights to make a movie based on a real person or a novel.
