CHENNAI: Thenandal Studios Limited in Nungambakkam and Sri Thenandal Films in Saligramam, have been restrained by the Madras High Court from using the title ‘Mersalaitan’ with ‘Mersal’ in its forthcoming film starring Vijay, Samantha and Nithya Menon, which is likely to be released on October 12.
Justice Anita Sumanth granted the injunction while taking on file an application arising out of a civil suit from A Rajendran, proprietor of AR Film Factori at Villivakkam, on Friday. The matter has been posted after the Dasara holidays.
According to Rajendran, he had selected a story and titled it as Mersalaitan. He had registered the story with the Tamil Nadu Film Writers’ Association.
When he came to know that the title had already been registered in the name of Green Apple Pictures, by its proprietor Mohammed Sadiq, he approached him and obtained a no objection certificate from him to transfer the title in his name and thus the title ‘Mersalaitan’ and ‘Naan Mersalaitan’ had thus been registered in his name.
The title was also registered with the Tamil Nadu Tamil Film Producers Council in 2014, which was confirmed by the council by its letter dated May 19, 2015. He commenced the production of his film ‘Mersalaitan’ in August, 2016.
While so, he was shocked to note that there has been another film titled ‘Mersal’ and the advertising material was released on June 20 last. He lodged complaints with the council and as there was no proper response, he preferred the present suit for the relief.