Veteran actor Manoj Kumar will file a lawsuit against Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and Eros International on Monday, in connection with the 2007 superhit movie "Om Shanti Om".
Manoj Kumar will seek damages to the tune of ₹100 crore from the producers for releasing the movie "Om Shanti Om" in Japan without deleting the scenes that made fun of him. The issue dates back six years ago when "Om Shanti Om" was released. Manoj Kumar was miffed with the way Shah Rukh had spoofed him in the film and threatened to take legal action.
The film's director Farah Khan and King Khan had assured him that the scenes would be deleted. A year later, Manoj Kumar found that the scenes ridiculing him were not deleted and he got a court order asking the makers to remove the objectionable part from all prints and broadcast material before satellite screening.
Six years after its release, "Om Shanti Om" was released in Japan on 16 March. At the time of going to press, it was not confirmed if the objectionable scenes have been deleted. It has been found that the scenes have not been removed, angering Monoj Kumar, who is known for his patriotic films.
"The film was released in Japan without deleting those scenes. I had forgiven them twice but not this time. They have disrespected me. They also face contempt of court as in 2008 the court had asked them to forever and from all prints and broadcast material, delete those scenes," Manoj Kumar said, according to Press Trust of India.
"I would file civil and criminal proceedings against the producers (Shah Rukh Khan and Eros International) for seeking damages to the tune of Rs 100 crore for showing 'Om Shanti Om' in Japan without removing objectionable scenes as ordered by Mumbai civil court in 2008."
"Om Shanti Om" is a musical romantic comedy, which marked the debut of actress Deepika Padukone. Actors Arjun Rampal, Shreyas Talpade and Kirron Kher featured in supporting roles. The movie, based on reincarnation, was one of the highest grossing movies in 2007.