Madras High Court Dismisses Sun TV's Appeal, Clears Path for Rajinikanth's 'Coolie' Title

In a significant ruling, the Madras High Court has firmly dismissed an appeal filed by Sun TV Network, challenging the 'A' certificate issued by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to superstar Rajinikanth's much-anticipated film, tentatively titled "Coolie." This decision effectively clears a major hurdle for the movie, affirming that film titles, in principle, cannot be subjected to copyright protection.

Sun TV Network had moved the court contending that they held copyright over the title "Coolie," citing their own 1995 Telugu film and its popular song, both bearing the same name.

They argued that the use of "Coolie" for Rajinikanth's upcoming venture, which also features a recreated version of their 1995 song, infringed upon their intellectual property rights and could cause confusion among the public. The CBFC had earlier granted an 'A' certificate for the film's title, a decision Sun TV sought to overturn.

Justice S.

Sounthar, presiding over the case, delivered a decisive judgment, emphasizing that a film title, by its very nature, is descriptive and falls outside the purview of copyright protection. The court observed that the word "Coolie" is a generic term, widely used and not proprietary. Furthermore, the judge highlighted a crucial distinction: Sun TV's original film was titled "Coolie No.

1," not merely "Coolie." Even if it were just "Coolie," the generic nature of the word would still preclude exclusive copyright claims.

The court also clarified the Central Board of Film Certification's mandate. Justice Sounthar noted that the CBFC's primary role is to certify films based on content and suitability, not to act as an arbiter in title disputes.

Such disputes, if they arise, typically fall under the domain of the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) or other industry bodies. The CBFC's decision to issue an 'A' certificate for the title, therefore, was deemed appropriate and within its jurisdiction.

Adding another layer to the complex issue, the court also took into consideration the fact that another producer from the Telugu film industry had also laid claim to the title "Coolie No.

1." This further underscored the generic nature and common usage of such titles within the expansive Indian film landscape. The judgment brings a degree of clarity to the often-contentious area of film title ownership and intellectual property rights, particularly when generic terms are involved.

For fans eagerly awaiting updates on Rajinikanth's next big screen appearance, this ruling marks a positive development, allowing the production to move forward without the shadow of the legal challenge over its title.

The Madras High Court's dismissal reinforces the legal precedent that generic film titles are not exclusive, ensuring a more level playing field for filmmakers.