Popular content creator Ashish Sharma has taken the producers of the Bollywood comedy film Mastiii 4 to the Delhi High Court, alleging that a sequence in the movie bears striking similarities to one of his viral Instagram reels. The court has now issued a formal notice to the film's makers, seeking their response.
Creator Alleges Unauthorised Use of Viral Content
In his petition, Ashish Sharma contended that a specific comedy scene in Mastiii 4 closely mirrors his original Instagram reel titled “Shaq Karne Ka Nateeja”. He shared this reel in January 2024, and it garnered over 11 million views. Sharma claims that the film's makers copied the core idea, narrative flow, character dynamics, and even the punchline from his creation without seeking permission or providing any credit.
The creator has sought significant legal remedies from the court, including:
- A permanent injunction against the film's makers.
- Monetary relief for the alleged infringement.
- A detailed statement of profits earned from the film.
Court Takes Note, Issues Notice to Producers
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, who heard the matter, acknowledged the urgency due to the film's impending digital release. The court observed that the producers should be given a fair chance to present their side of the story before any interim orders are passed. Consequently, a notice was issued to them with a short response period.
The next hearing in this copyright infringement case is scheduled for January 13, 2026. This legal action comes at a critical juncture, as Mastiii 4 is reportedly set for its OTT premiere on January 16, 2026.
Film's Performance and Cast
Mastiii 4, which was released in theatres on November 21, 2025, had a modest run at the box office. As per industry tracker Sacnilk, the film earned approximately Rs 19.25 crore in worldwide collections.
The film brings back the franchise's popular trio of Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Aftab Shivdasani. The ensemble cast also includes Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri, Elnaaz Norouzi, Ruhi Singh, Shreya Sharma, and Shaad Randhawa. It is produced by A Jhunhunwala, Ekta Kapoor, and Indra Kumar.
This legal dispute highlights the growing tensions between traditional Bollywood content creators and digital influencers over intellectual property rights, especially when viral social media ideas find their way into mainstream cinema without clear attribution.
