The Delhi High Court has issued a directive to the filmmakers of the movie Jailer, starring Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead role, to ensure that from September 1, none of the theatres exhibit the jersey of the IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), as worn by a contract killer in one of the scenes in the film.
Justice Prathiba M Singh, who was hearing a suit filed by the IPL team, Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited, against the filmmakers for using the team's jersey in a denigratory manner, said that the Rajnikanth starrer's release on television, satellite, or any OTT (Over-The-Top) platform shall have an altered version of the film prior to its release.
It is alleged that the contract killer in the film wearing the jersey reportedly makes derogatory and misogynistic statements about a woman. The IPL team argued that the negative depiction of using their jersey without permission could damage their brand image and equity.
Following this, Sun Pictures, which produced the film, agreed to make the change and digitally alter the clippings of Jailer prior to the release of the movie on television, satellite, or any Over-The-Top (OTT) platform. In addition, they have assured that the change would be made in theatrical mode by September 1. This alteration would involve removing primary colours and branding elements present on the RCB jersey.
Jailer, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, has been running successfully in theatres. Recently, the film grossed more than Rs 525 crores at the box office.
The film features Rajinikanth as Muthuvel Pandian, a former jailer, the film revolves around the character tackling an idol smuggler while trying to save his son from his clutches. The film features cameo appearances by stalwarts of the Indian film industries, including Mohanlal, Shivrajkumar, and Jackie Shroff. Other parts of the cast include Ramya Krishnan, Vasanth Ravi, Vinayak, Yogi Babu, Mirnaa, Sunil, and Tamannaah, among others.