The BBC is reporting that Warner Bros. has filed suit against a film company in India for infringing on intellectual property rights in titling an upcoming movie: “Hari Puttar – A Comedy Of Terrors.” A spokesperson confirmed that a lawsuit was filed against Mirchi Movies and is expected to be heard before the Bombay High Court. According to the article, WB felt the title was ‘too similar to that of its world famous young wizard.’ Deborah Lincoln, a spokesperson for WB, is quoted as saying: “We have recently commenced proceedings against parties involved in the production and distribution of a movie entitled Hari Puttar.” Munish Purii, from Mirchi Movies, is also quoted in the article, relating that “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.” The report goes on to note in regards to the title of the film, ‘Hari is a popular Indian name while Puttar means son in Punjabi.’ “Hari Puttar – A Comedy Of Terrors” is slated for release in India on September 12.
Set in the background of lush green England, this tale of two intrepid kids resonates with that most fundamental character traits of adventure and fun, traits that are the raison de’tre of any kid who are looking out for a bit of fun on the wayside. Hari Prasad Dhoonda or Hari Puttar, as he is fondly called, is a bright 10 year old who has recently moved from India to the U.K. with his parents.
His father, Prof. Dhoonda is assigned to work on a secret project with the Defense Forces at a remote location in the U.K. He has access to confidential information that is stored on a chip and safely kept at his house. Within days of their arrival in London, Hari’s aunt and uncle DK visit the Dhoonda residence with their own as well DK’s boss’ children.
At this point, everything goes for a spin for Hari Puttar. Hari Puttar suddenly feels unwanted, undermined and unappreciated. But Hari has a friend from his fantasy world – Funtoon, who is around when Hari really needs him. Funtoon is a fun character – a ‘Masti Ka Boss’ and helps Hari cheer up when he is down or when he is upto some Masti.
The two are like alter egos who complement each other. To top it, DK arranges a vacation for the entire family and as luck would have it, the next morning, the whole family leaves in a tearing hurry, forgetting that they have left something integral behind – Namely Hari and his little cousin Tuk Tuk.
Meantime, an infamous don, Kali Mirchi, assigns two bumbling burglars to steal the secret formula chip from Hari’s house. Hari accidentally discovers the mission of the burglars and is determined to save the secret formula from being exposed.
The so-called diminutive Hari Puttar embarks on a journey of great adventure and suddenly discovers the self-confidence, creativity and gumption that he did not know he possessed. With his innovative plans, determined wit, and with able support from Tuk Tuk, Hari Puttar manages to not only save the secret chip but also captures the two unsuspecting thugs.
Hari’s mother in the meanwhile, desperate to get back to Hari goes through her own adventure to reach back home; And when she does, she finds that she had left behind a son and had come back to a little hero.
If those are genuinely common names in that country and the film has nothing to do with a boy wizard, then it’s wrong for them to be filing a suit against them – especially when they should have done it three years ago if it were that important.
I like WB, they make good films but obviously they are a business which aims to be successful. They work hard to keep an even balance between making the fans happy enough, and trying to earn enough money to be able to fund all of their future projects that people will enjoy – and of course they’re having to pay all these ‘richest in the country’ teenagers for poncing about with wands lol.
All I’m saying is, even though they moved the date for Harry Potter, I’m not exactly starting a war against them. But for them to do this to some random filmmakers in India who aren’t really doing anything wrong, I really don’t think that’s fair at all and it’s getting more and more difficult for me to be on WB’s side.
& btw it was my birthday yesterday! :D ..just thought I’d end on a happy note lol.
I so agree with you Dawn. Culture ignorance. Hello? I am an Indian….this has nothing to do with Harry!! WB’s going loony…!!! Go watch Bend It Like Beckham!!
But “Hari Puttar” is an Indian Harry Potter joke. Usually made my Grandma. And there have been references in other films too. I think that if they’re using the in-joke as publicity material and that WB is suing for thats reason, then they are right to do so (as much as I’m despised to say that XS). But I suppose people are angry at WB for the release date change right now. WB are not going to look good in our eyes whenever they pull something like this.
from the synopsis posted on the previous page it sounds to me more like a HOME ALONE movie. anyone seen them? (you should have they’re awesome) where the kid gets left at home..
and once he got on the wrong plane so he was home alone in a hotel then his relatives house.
he uses a set of traps made with house hold items like paint cans tied with string and swung over the edge of the stairs to hit the bad guys on the head.
y’all know what movie i’m talking about?
WB might as well jump around screaming “HEY GUYS GIVE US ALL YOUR MONEY ‘COS WE’RE FAT, UGLY, GREEDY IDIOTS WHO CAN’T DO NOTHING BUT GET MONEY ANY WAY WE CAN”
after the whole date change you would have thought they’d be trying to win back and public support they did have before they became the real world version of lord voldemort to us harry potter fans.
ouhh can’t they do something suitable besides suing everyone, ehh…. like LETTING US SEE THE 6TH MOVIE IN NOVEMBER???!!!!!!!!! gosh I’m so angry I can’t even find any words GHAAAAA!!!!!! just let us se the movie!!!!!
I might have wanted WB to win before they acted like greedy morons, but now I would like nothin better if they LOSE. Don’t you have enough money already???
Here is a synopsis of the film:
Set in the background of lush green England, this tale of two intrepid kids resonates with that most fundamental character traits of adventure and fun, traits that are the raison de’tre of any kid who are looking out for a bit of fun on the wayside. Hari Prasad Dhoonda or Hari Puttar, as he is fondly called, is a bright 10 year old who has recently moved from India to the U.K. with his parents.
His father, Prof. Dhoonda is assigned to work on a secret project with the Defense Forces at a remote location in the U.K. He has access to confidential information that is stored on a chip and safely kept at his house. Within days of their arrival in London, Hari’s aunt and uncle DK visit the Dhoonda residence with their own as well DK’s boss’ children.
At this point, everything goes for a spin for Hari Puttar. Hari Puttar suddenly feels unwanted, undermined and unappreciated. But Hari has a friend from his fantasy world – Funtoon, who is around when Hari really needs him. Funtoon is a fun character – a ‘Masti Ka Boss’ and helps Hari cheer up when he is down or when he is upto some Masti.
The two are like alter egos who complement each other. To top it, DK arranges a vacation for the entire family and as luck would have it, the next morning, the whole family leaves in a tearing hurry, forgetting that they have left something integral behind – Namely Hari and his little cousin Tuk Tuk.
Meantime, an infamous don, Kali Mirchi, assigns two bumbling burglars to steal the secret formula chip from Hari’s house. Hari accidentally discovers the mission of the burglars and is determined to save the secret formula from being exposed.
The so-called diminutive Hari Puttar embarks on a journey of great adventure and suddenly discovers the self-confidence, creativity and gumption that he did not know he possessed. With his innovative plans, determined wit, and with able support from Tuk Tuk, Hari Puttar manages to not only save the secret chip but also captures the two unsuspecting thugs.
Hari’s mother in the meanwhile, desperate to get back to Hari goes through her own adventure to reach back home; And when she does, she finds that she had left behind a son and had come back to a little hero.
WB – get a life!