Mumbai: Despite the success of its predecessor, ‘Hanuman Ansh 2’ is reportedly facing trouble, with a dispute over rights and publicity creating differences among the makers.
The disagreement has reportedly put the sequel’s progress under a cloud.
Differences have reportedly emerged between director Dr Vishal Chaturvedi and producers Namrata G Singh, Ragini Sona and Anupriya Nagar.
A few weeks ago, SCREEN reported that some members of the team were unhappy over allegations that one producer was receiving greater prominence than the others.
The reported discord could now have wider implications for the franchise, with the second instalment yet to be officially announced.
Amid the developments, Namrata G Singh and Dr Vishal Chaturvedi have issued a statement through Swambhu Media Network, identifying themselves as Executive Directors and outlining who is authorised to handle matters related to the film’s publicity, marketing, awards, partnerships and rights.
The statement opens with the clarification, “Hanuman Ansh has one authorised channel.”
It further reads, “Hanuman Ansh (‘Film’) brings to the screen the life of Neem Karoli Baba, Maharajji, the saint revered from Kainchi Dham to Silicon Valley, with devotees across India, the UK and the world. In light of multiple reports circulating in the market and media, Swambhu Media Network Pvt. Ltd. (‘Company’) sets out the following facts for the record.”
The company also addressed reports of individuals claiming authority to represent the film.
“The Company is aware that an individual is representing themselves as authorised to deal with the rights in the Film. No individual holds that authority,” the statement said.
It further clarified that all domestic and international rights associated with the film, including theatrical, streaming, broadcast, music, gaming and licensing rights, would be handled in accordance with the agreements between the producers.
The statement also said, “Namrata G Singh and Dr. Vishal Chaturvedi are solely authorised to direct public relations, marketing, awards and partnerships on behalf of the Company.
All day-to-day coordination with partners, platforms and media is carried out through them.”
It added, “No party acting alone has authority to deal in the Film. Any such dealing is invalid and not binding on the Company or the Producers.”
The team also issued a warning, stating, “Any statement, award claim or business arrangement made outside this process is not recognised by the Company. Those who engage outside it do so entirely at their own risk.”
The statement also laid down guidelines governing public representation of the film, including media interactions and public appearances.
“Speaking for the Film requires confirmation first,” it said.
According to the statement, cast and crew members, along with others associated with the film, must coordinate with the official communication channels before making public statements or representing Hanuman Ansh at interviews, podcasts, media events, YouTube appearances and other promotional or private gatherings.
The company further stated, “Credit for the Film is as set out in its official credits. The Company will act firmly, in every territory, to protect the Film, its credits and its rights.”
Towards the end, the statement described Namrata G Singh and Dr Vishal Chaturvedi as the “one clear and verified door to the Film”.
However, the accompanying disclaimer lists all four producers as Namrata G Singh, Dr Vishal Chaturvedi, Ragini Sona and Anupriya Nagar.