India's 'Hari Puttar' film could be banned

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Warner Bros has filed a lawsuit related to the title of its upcoming film Hari Puttar - A Comedy of Terrors, which Warners feels is a tad too similar to its franchise about a certain young wizard.

The case, against Mumbai-based producer/distributor Mirchi Movies, is being heard in the Bombay High Court and comes up for hearing today.

Hari Puttar, a comedy that centres on a 10-year-old Indian boy whose family moves to England, is slated
for a September 12 release.

"We have recently commenced proceedings against parties involved in the production and distribution of a movie entitled Hari Puttar," London-based Warners spokeswoman Deborah Lincoln said.

"Warner Bros values and protects intellectual property rights. However, it is our policy not to discuss publicly the details of any ongoing litigation."

The Hari Puttar name began making the rounds here as a comic gag when the first Harry Potter film was released. Hari is a popular Indian name, and "puttar" means "son" in the Punjabi language.

"Since the case is sub-judice, we can't comment as of now," Mirchi Movies CEO Munish Purii said.

"However, we registered the Hari Puttar title in 2005, and it's unfortunate that Warner has chosen to file
a case so close to our film's release. In my opinion, I don't think our title has any similarity or links with Harry Potter."

Hari Puttar is directed by Rajesh Bajaj and Lucky Kohli and stars Jackie Shroff, Saurabh Shukla and Sarika.

Warners' next Harry Potter instalment, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, is slated for release worldwide in July.

* Watch the trailer for Hari Puttar - A Comedy of Errors:

- Reuters