Aanand L Rai Responds to Eros’s ₹84 Crore Lawsuit Over Raanjhanaa

Director Aanand L Rai has addressed the ₹84 crore lawsuit filed by Eros International Media Ltd, which accuses him of intellectual property violations related to his 2013 film Raanjhanaa. In an interview with NDTV, Rai described such legal disputes as commonplace in the film industry, stating, “These are part of life.” He emphasized that it is best to let legal professionals manage these matters.

The lawsuit, which will be heard by the Bombay High Court, claims that Rai and his production company, Colour Yellow Media Entertainment LLP, misused Raanjhanaa’s intellectual property in the marketing of Tere Ishk Mein, released in November 2025. Eros asserts that it holds exclusive rights to Raanjhanaa’s copyright, including its registered trademarks, dialogues, characters, and rights to any sequels or remakes. The company contends these elements were used without permission to suggest a creative connection between the two films.

According to Eros, the character played by Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub in Tere Ishk Mein bears a striking resemblance to his earlier role as Murari in Raanjhanaa, both in temperament and narrative purpose. Furthermore, Eros argues that the character portrayed by Dhanush in Tere Ishk Mein undergoes a similar emotional journey to that of Kundan Shankar from Raanjhanaa, reinforcing a perceived continuity between the two stories.

Despite issuing a cease-and-desist notice in July 2025, Eros claims that marketing efforts continued to promote Tere Ishk Mein as a spiritual sequel to Raanjhanaa. Rai expressed confusion over the lawsuit, stating, “I don’t even know why, how, or from where this has come.” He reiterated that the issue is a legal matter and requires the attention of lawyers representing both sides.

As the case progresses in court, the outcome may have broader implications for similar intellectual property disputes within the film industry. Rai’s comments underscore the complexities of navigating creative rights in an environment where such disagreements are not uncommon.