Delhi High Court refuses to halt Doosra release after Sourav Ganguly’s legal challenge

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has suffered a setback in the Delhi High Court after his plea seeking to stop the release of the film Doosra was turned down ahead of its theatrical debut on October 23, 2026. Ganguly has alleged that the film uses his identity, leadership legacy and iconic cricketing moments without proper authorisation, raising questions about personality rights and the commercial use of a sportsperson’s reputation.

The court, presided over by Justice Dinesh Bhatt, declined to grant an immediate stay on the film’s release. During the hearing, the judge observed that the balance of convenience appeared to favour the filmmakers at this stage, adding that the court would not stop the film from reaching cinemas.

The legal dispute has attracted attention because Doosra draws inspiration from one of the most memorable moments in Indian cricket history: Ganguly’s celebration at Lord’s following India’s famous victory in the 2002 NatWest Series final against England.

Why Sourav Ganguly approached the Delhi High Court

Ganguly approached the Delhi High Court alongside Luv Films LLP, the production house involved in developing an authorised biographical film about the former Indian captain. Their plea raised concerns about the alleged unauthorised commercial use of Ganguly’s name, image, likeness and cricketing achievements.

According to the claims made in the lawsuit, the promotional material for Doosra highlights Ganguly’s leadership and the historic NatWest Series victory. His famous shirt-waving celebration at Lord’s is among the moments central to the dispute.

Ganguly’s side argued that these references could commercially exploit his personality and reputation without his consent. The production house also raised concerns about its contractual rights relating to the proposed biopic on the former India captain.

The plaintiffs sought legal intervention to prevent the film’s theatrical release and restrict other forms of distribution and promotional activity allegedly involving Ganguly’s identity.

However, these are allegations presented by the plaintiffs, and the court’s refusal to halt the release does not amount to a final decision on the underlying claims.

What the Delhi High Court said about the Doosra release

The immediate question before the court was whether the film should be stopped just before its scheduled release. The filmmakers opposed the request, and the court declined to grant the interim relief sought by Ganguly.

Justice Dinesh Bhatt observed that the balance of convenience did not prima facie favour the plaintiff. In legal proceedings, this principle helps a court assess which side would face greater potential harm if an interim order were granted or refused.

The judge acknowledged that Ganguly might have valuable rights but made it clear that the film would not be stopped at that stage.

The decision allows Doosra to proceed with its scheduled theatrical release on October 23. However, it should not be interpreted as a final ruling that the filmmakers did nothing wrong or that Ganguly has no enforceable personality rights.

The wider dispute remains significant because it involves both the commercial identity of a prominent public figure and the rights claimed by a production company working on an authorised biopic.

Doosra is not a Sourav Ganguly biopic, filmmakers argue

The filmmakers have maintained that Doosra is not a biographical film about Ganguly. Their legal counsel described it as a story about a middle-class girl from Rajasthan who draws inspiration from sporting events involving the former Indian captain.

The defence also told the court that the necessary permissions had been obtained for the use of certain cricket footage. The filmmakers argued that the rights to historical match footage and Ganguly’s personal identity were separate issues.

This distinction lies at the heart of the case. A film can draw inspiration from a real sporting event without necessarily presenting itself as an authorised biography of the athlete involved. However, questions about how an individual’s name, image and reputation are used commercially can require a more detailed legal assessment.

The court has not delivered a final judgment on these competing arguments. For now, the filmmakers have avoided an immediate order stopping the release, while Ganguly’s objections remain part of the ongoing legal dispute.

How the 2002 NatWest Series final became part of the controversy

For Indian cricket fans, the 2002 NatWest Series final remains a landmark occasion. India defeated England at Lord’s after chasing a challenging target of 326, producing a memorable comeback led by young stars and established performers.

Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif played crucial roles in India’s successful chase, while Ganguly’s leadership helped shape the team’s increasingly fearless approach to international cricket.

When the match ended, Ganguly celebrated by waving his shirt from the Lord’s balcony. The moment became one of the most recognisable images of his captaincy and a symbol of India’s growing confidence in overseas cricket.

More than two decades later, that celebration has become an important element of Doosra. The film uses the sporting moment as inspiration for a fictional character who begins challenging the restrictions imposed on her life.

For the plaintiffs, the concern is not simply that the film references a famous match. Their case focuses on whether Ganguly’s recognisable identity and commercial value have been used without appropriate permission.

What is Doosra about?

Directed by Abhinay Deo, Doosra connects the atmosphere of India’s historic cricket victory with the personal journey of Tara, a young woman growing up in a conservative household.

Plabita Borthakur plays Tara, who struggles with the expectations placed on her and searches for the courage to question the rules governing her life. Watching Ganguly’s defiant celebration becomes an important source of inspiration for her.

Rather than following the conventional structure of a sports biopic, the film uses a famous cricketing moment to explore themes of independence, resistance and personal freedom.

The cast also includes Ankur Vikal, Samidha Guru, Tvisha Seema and Krishna Gokani. The film is scheduled to reach cinemas on October 23, 2026.

Its central idea gives the controversy another dimension: the filmmakers say Ganguly’s achievement serves as inspiration for a fictional narrative, while the plaintiffs argue that the use of his identity and cricketing legacy raises commercial and legal concerns.

Ganguly’s upcoming biopic adds another layer to the dispute

The case also involves Luv Films LLP, which is developing an authorised biopic about Ganguly’s life and cricketing career. The production house has argued that the dispute affects its contractual interests in the proposed project.

The biopic, titled Dada – The Sourav Ganguly Story, has been reported as scheduled for release on May 14, 2027. The existence of this separate project makes the distinction between an authorised biography and a fictional film inspired by real events particularly relevant.

At the same time, the dispute highlights the challenges filmmakers face when real sporting history becomes the foundation for fictional storytelling. Historical footage, public events, personal identity and commercial endorsement can raise different questions, and permission relating to one element does not automatically settle every other issue.

The eventual outcome will depend on the legal arguments and evidence considered by the court, rather than the release-day decision alone.

What happens next in the Sourav Ganguly vs Doosra case?

The immediate outcome is clear: the Delhi High Court has refused to stop Doosra from releasing on October 23, 2026. The legal challenge, however, is not necessarily over.

The case puts the spotlight on an increasingly important question in Indian entertainment: how far can filmmakers use the identity and achievements of famous sports personalities when creating stories inspired by real events?

For Ganguly, the dispute concerns the protection of his name, image and commercial interests. For the filmmakers, it concerns their ability to tell a fictional story rooted in a widely remembered moment in Indian sporting history.

The court’s decision not to grant an immediate stay settles neither side’s broader arguments. Further proceedings will be important in determining how the claims are assessed.

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