Court okays release of John Abraham starrer Aashayein

The Delhi High Court has rejected a plea by Anil Ambani's Reliance Big Entertainment (RBE) challenging the release of John Abraham starrer Hindi movie "Aashayein" because co-producers of the movie had allegedly changed the storyline of the movie.

RBE, which purchased the rights of the film, approached the court alleging the film's co-producers - Percept Ltd. and Super Cassette Industries - misrepresented facts and indulged in fraud, besides changing storyline from the previously agreed upon script while signing the distribution agreement.

Justice Manmohan Singh said that RBE should be compensated by the co-producers and asked them to deposit 30 percent of Rs.4 crore (Rs.40 million) paid by it for buying the film's rights and asked Percept Ltd and Super Cassette Industries to deposit the money within a week.

RBE had paid Percept and super cassettes around Rs.4 crore, out of the total deal value of Rs.18 crore (Rs.180 million) in June 2008 and entered into an agreement for theatrical, non-theatrical, world satellite, television and overseas home video rights.

In its petition, RBE submitted that as per their distribution agreement with the two co-producers, RBE was to pay Rs.18 crore for the rights of Nagesh Kukunoor-directed "Aashayein", which was supposed to be a commercial film, and was assured that the co-producers would not deviate from the storyline.

But when the complete film was shown to RBE in July 2008, it did not resemble the original storyline. It was not even a commercial film and character of John Abraham was changed from a compulsive gambler discovering fortunes of life to a cancer patient, it said.

However, Percept and Super Cassettes denied receiving any such communication from RBE after they were shown the movie.

The court said the film was complete and ready for release and it would be harmful for actors, investors and exhibitors if it stopped "Aashayein" at this stage.

Case against John's film

If he is not showing his butt then that ain't hot, at least that what it seems.

The release of John Abraham's movie “Aashayein”, a serious film in contrast to his body show “Dostana”, is facing further delay after a legal fight has erupted between its producers and distributor.

Reliance's Big Pictures, that was all set to distribute “Aashayein”, has filed a case against the film's producers Percept Picture Company and T-Series because they felt the film has not measured up to their expectations.

The case has been filed in the Delhi High Court.

Percept Picture Company and T-Series are now in a fix because they can't release the film until the case is resolved.

The movie, directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, was ready sometime back and has been getting delayed for some reason or the other.

“Aashayein” is the story of a compulsive gambler who one day learns that he has only 90 days to live. Wanting to make the most of his last days, he leaves everything behind and moves into a soothing hospice. The inmates he meets change his outlook on life. As his relationships grow with each one of them, he tries to rise above his own needs and live life to the fullest, learning from the courage of those around him.