The much-anticipated sequel to the 1997 blockbuster Border, titled Border 2, has encountered legal trouble even before the cameras have started rolling. Bharat Shah, the financier and distributor of the original Border, has issued a public notice against JP Dutta, the director of the film, and has raised serious allegations. This controversy has not only reignited a long-standing legal battle but has also raised concerns about the future of Border 2.
Allegations of Financial Mismanagement Against JP Dutta
Bharat Shah has accused JP Dutta of financial mismanagement regarding the profits of Border. According to Shah, an agreement was made between him and Dutta in 1994 stating that both parties would equally share the profits of the movie. However, Shah claims that Dutta never informed him about the money the film made nor provided any details about the financial performance of Border. Shah alleges that he has not received a single rupee of the profits, despite the film being one of the highest-grossing movies of 1997.
In response to these claims, Bharat Shah filed a case in the Bombay High Court in 2014, but the case has now been transferred to a civil court. Shah is determined to resolve the issue and has taken the matter to the Indian Film and TV Producers Council as well.
Warning to Actors and Crew of ‘Border 2’
As part of his recent public notice, Bharat Shah has issued a stern warning to actors and crew associated with Border 2. He cautioned that anyone working on the project should do so at their own risk, given the ongoing legal battle surrounding the rights to Border. This notice has cast a shadow over the sequel, with potential consequences for its production and release.
The notice, published in a magazine called Complete Cinema, reiterates that Shah holds all rights to Border, which complicates JP Dutta’s plans for the sequel. Shah is firm in his stance that JP Dutta has not met his obligations regarding financial transparency and has failed to honor their original agreement.
Star-Studded Cast for ‘Border 2’
Despite the legal complications, casting for Border 2 has already begun, and some big names have been associated with the project. Sunny Deol, who starred in the original Border, is set to reprise his role, while popular actors Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh have also been signed for significant roles in the film. Varun Dhawan, interestingly, replaced Ayushmann Khurrana, who was initially considered for the role.
The original Border, which portrayed the 1971 India-Pakistan war, featured a stellar cast that included Akshaye Khanna, Sunil Shetty, Puneet Issar, and Kulbhushan Kharbanda. The film became a massive success, both critically and commercially, and is remembered as one of the greatest war films in Bollywood history.
Can ‘Border 2’ Overcome the Legal Challenges?
With Bharat Shah’s legal actions casting a cloud over the production, the future of Border 2 remains uncertain. The warning issued to the actors and crew could potentially delay the film’s progress or deter others from joining the project. Moreover, with Shah’s claims of ownership over Border’s rights, it’s unclear how JP Dutta and the producers will move forward with the sequel without addressing the financial disputes.
As fans eagerly await updates on the film, it remains to be seen how this legal battle will impact the much-anticipated project. For now, Border 2 stands at a crossroads, with its fate tied to the outcome of this ongoing controversy.
