The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached properties worth approximately ₹10 crore belonging to renowned filmmaker Shankar in connection with a copyright infringement case related to the 2010 film Enthiran (Robo). In response, Shankar has expressed strong discontent, stating that the action disregards a prior court ruling.
In an official statement, Shankar said, “The Chennai Zonal Office of the ED has attached three of my properties based on unsubstantiated allegations concerning Enthiran. This move not only misrepresents legal facts but also indicates a misuse of legal provisions. The High Court had already conducted a thorough inquiry and dismissed the petition filed by Arur Tamilnathan, who had claimed ownership of the film’s rights. Despite this, the ED has proceeded with the attachment, citing a report from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). It is deeply distressing that such action has been taken despite the court’s clear verdict stating that no copyright violation occurred.”
Background of the Case
In 2011, writer Arur Tamilnathan filed a petition alleging that Enthiran was based on his story Jiguba, accusing Shankar of copyright infringement. The FTII report indicated similarities between the two works, leading the ED to invoke Section 63 of the Copyright Act and initiate action against the filmmaker. The case remains under investigation.