Filmmaker Aanand L Rai has responded to the Rs 84 crore lawsuit filed by Eros International Media Ltd, which accuses him and his production company of unauthorized use of intellectual property related to the 2013 film Raanjhanaa. Speaking to NDTV, Aanand L Rai described the dispute as a routine business matter that doesn’t warrant public speculation. He said, “These are part of life. When you enter business, such things happen. I don’t even know why, how, or from where this has come.
But it’s a legal issue, so let the lawyers handle it. There’s a lawyer on their side and one on ours. I don’t think it has any meaning. Anyone can say anything about anything at any time. So it’s not something to be taken too seriously. It’s more for the lawyers to deal with. Since it’s a legal matter, I won’t speak much about it, but it’s nothing serious.”
Eros Alleges Misuse of Raanjhanaa Intellectual Property
Eros International Media Ltd claims that Aanand L Rai and his banner, Colour Yellow Media Entertainment LLP, unlawfully used elements from Raanjhanaa to promote Tere Ishk Mein, which released in November 2025.The company asserts it holds exclusive rights over Raanjhanaa, including copyright, registered trademarks, characters, dialogues, and sequel or remake rights.
Eros alleges these protected elements were used without authorization to imply a creative or narrative connection between the two films. According to The Times of India, the controversy began with a teaser released in July 2025, which Eros says contained phrases, visuals, background score elements, and references linked to Raanjhanaa’s fictional universe.
Character Parallels and ‘Spiritual Sequel’ Claims
A central issue in the lawsuit is the similarity of characters. Eros claims Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub’s role in Tere Ishk Mein closely resembles his character Murari from Raanjhanaa in both temperament and story function. Similarly, Dhanush’s character allegedly follows an emotional arc akin to Kundan Shankar, suggesting continuity. Despite Eros issuing a cease-and-desist notice in July 2025 and subsequent reminders, they allege the marketing campaign continued to promote Tere Ishk Mein as a “spiritual sequel” to Raanjhanaa.
Following the film’s release, Eros has sought Rs 84 crore in damages for copyright infringement, trademark violation, and passing off. The lawsuit names several defendants including Aanand L Rai, Colour Yellow Media Entertainment LLP, writer Himanshu Sharma, Super Cassettes Industries (T-Series), and Netflix Entertainment Services India LLP. The case is currently pending before the Bombay High Court.
