Mumbai Court restrains KRK from posting defamatory content against Vashu Bhagnani

Mumbai Court Bars KRK From Posting Defamatory Content Against Vashu Bhagnani.

A Mumbai civil court has issued an interim order restraining actor and film reviewer Kamal Rashid Khan (KRK) from circulating defamatory material against producer Vashu Bhagnani. The court ruled that KRK cannot hide behind freedom of speech to harm another person’s reputation in the guise of a review.

The dispute dates back to 2021, when Bhagnani alleged that KRK had launched a “well-orchestrated smear campaign” via social media posts and YouTube videos. The filmmaker described the content as “grossly defamatory, slanderous, and distasteful” and requested restrictions until his defamation suit is resolved.

Civil judge Amit A. Laulkar directed KRK to remove the content flagged in the petition but declined to demand an unconditional apology at this stage, noting that such orders are typically issued only after a detailed trial.

The court emphasized that “the right to speech of one person should not cause breach of the right of privacy and public image of another person.” It added that KRK should have exercised self-restraint while expressing opinions publicly.

Bhagnani said he was “pained and perturbed” by the attacks, while KRK called the case “frivolous” and claimed his remarks were part of his work as a reviewer and trade analyst, denying any personal attack.

After considering submissions from both sides, the court noted that Bhagnani’s privacy had been impacted and that his reputation was at stake. “The defendant has no absolute right to damage the plaintiff’s goodwill by expressing personal opinions in public under the guise of review,” the court stated. It added that ongoing posts could cause “grave loss and mental agony” to Bhagnani.

Bhagnani, 64, has produced several hit Hindi films over three decades, including Coolie No. 1, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. His banner, Pooja Entertainment, recently faced consecutive box office setbacks with Ganapath and the 2024 remake of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.