Mister Mummy: Kolkata producer alleges plagiarism against Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza comedy

Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza’s Mister Mummy is slated to release on November 11. Directed by Shaad Ali, the team has recently dropped the trailer that created a buzz among the viewers. Now, a Kolkata-based producer accused the maker of stealing the concept of the film. 

Shri Akash Chatterjee – son of filmmaker Agnidev Chatterjee, took to his social media to make the allegation. On his Facebook, he shared a series of screenshots and wrote, “We had a detailed discussion with Tseries in 2020 regarding my film Viki Pet Se and they had agreed to co-produce. Later they come up with their shit version (without any logic) of my film. My Story and concept are registered with SWA, Mumbai.”

In the trailer of Mister Mummy, the character of Riteish becomes pregnant due to some unknown reason. Meanwhile, Akash told Anandabazar Online, “In the ’90s in Hollywood, there was a movie called Junior where the character played by Arnold Schwarzenegger became suddenly pregnant. I wrote a similar script in 2019 and contacted T-Series. They liked the concept. But now I see they are declaring a similar movie, and after watching the trailer I became convinced that they stole my idea.

Akash said that his father – a veteran filmmaker – suggested he move as per his lawyer’s advice. Incidentally, Akash’s lawyer Nirnimesh Dubey has jointly written the screenplay with Akash. 

Akash said that his story is set in Haryana’s backdrop. He named it Viki Pet Se. He further said that Ayushman Khurrana was thought to be the leading character and the production house did not object. Akash said, “Two years back I suddenly saw in a Kapil Sharma Show that Ayushman was being asked by the anchor whether he was playing such a role. Ayushman avoided the answer by saying it was just a rumour.”

Meanwhile, the news of Riteish and Genelia’s film has been around since last year. Why did he not take any steps earlier? Akash said, “My lawyer told me that the theme might be altered. Also, they are powerful and it is a question of huge money. I did not take any step with the future in mind. However, I saw the trailer now and was certain that it is a plagiarism case and disclosed it on social media.” 

What will he do now? Akash told Anandabazar, “My script is submitted to the Writers’ Association. I do not want any money. I just want the name and recognition in this film which I deserve. I talked to my lawyer and will send a legal notice to the production house.” 

Akash has worked as Agnidev’s assistant in several films. In his own house, ACP Entertainment, he produced films like Good Morning Sunshine and Zindagi Kashmakash.