Prakash Jha gets defensive as ‘Raajneeti’ courts fresh troubles

Spicezee Bureau

Mumbai: Even before Prakash Jha’s most ambitious project ‘Raajneeti’ is to hit the marquee, the movie is up against several odds. News has it that a Mumbai-based social worker, Naseem Khan filed a petition in court against film’s release on the fact that one of the central characters apparently resembles Sonia Gandhi. Prakash Jha’s woes continue as the film faces another dilemma. Self-styled star, Kamal R Khan, (or KRK as he likes to be called), has sent legal notice to Jha regarding violation of title copyrights of the film. On being asked to the director regarding such claims, Prakash did accept the fact that a notice has indeed come from Kamal, who he believes is a person generating publicity by associating himself with such controversies. However, speaking to a news daily, Jha clarified, “My lawyers are looking into it. There’s absolutely nothing in this claim. We shouldn’t give any importance to people who jump into the picture at the time of release for whatever reasons. Look at the way Rakesh Roshan is being harassed over Kites by some person claiming to be entitled to crores of rupees. Earlier we had someone making claims over Ram Gopal Varma’s Rakta Charitra days before release. This is not done!” And as far Mr. Naseem’s claims are concerned, the director said, “Seaking on Mr Naseem Khan’s claims that Raajneeti cast aspersion on one of the most revered politicians of the country,” Prakash Jha retorts, “Let all these self-styled supports of Soniaji come forward to show their loyalty. Am I an irresponsible citizen and filmmaker who would do something so foolish as to portray Soniaji in a bad light? No one has seen a frame of Raajneeti. How does anyone presume that Katrina’s character has any resemblance to Soniaji? Have I said it anywhere? Has Katrina said it anywhere? Let Soniaji watch Raajneeti and decide.” On being given an option to settle the case out-of-court, Prakash Jha said, “Over my dead body. I’d burn the prints of my film rather than give in to such blackmail. No out-of-court settlement for me. I’ve seen enough legal obstacles in my life. This is nothing.”