Copyright Claims Over Viral Skit Reach Delhi High Court in ‘Mastiii 4’ Dispute

Copyright Claims Over Viral Skit Reach Delhi High Court in ‘Mastiii 4’ Dispute

Introduction

The Delhi High Court has issued notice in a copyright infringement suit filed by a radio jockey and content creator against the makers of the Hindi film Mastiii 4. The suit alleges unauthorised copying of an Instagram skit into a scene in the film, raising important questions on protection of short-form digital content.

Factual Background

The plaintiff, Ashish Sharma, is a radio jockey and popular content creator with a significant presence on Instagram and YouTube. He claims authorship and copyright ownership over an audio-visual skit titled “Shaq Karne Ka Nateeja”, which he uploaded on Instagram in January 2024 and which has garnered over 11 million views.

According to the plaintiff, a scene in Mastiii 4 closely mirrors his skit, reproducing its storyline, sequence of events, character interactions, and comic punchline, without authorisation or attribution.

Procedural Background

The plaintiff approached the Delhi High Court seeking a permanent injunction, damages, and rendition of accounts against the producers of Mastiii 4. The matter came up before a single-judge Bench of Justice Tushar Rao Gedela on January 6, 2026, when the Court considered Sharma’s plea for ad-interim relief.

Issues

1. Whether the impugned scene in Mastiii 4 constitutes substantial copying of Sharma’s Instagram skit.

2. Whether the plaintiff has established prima facie ownership of copyright in the skit.

3. Whether interim relief is warranted in light of the film’s theatrical and imminent OTT release.

Contentions of the Parties

Plaintiff: Sharma contended that he is the sole author and copyright owner of the skit and that the alleged copying amounts to a deliberate infringement of his copyright and moral rights. He argued that the replication of core expressive elements of the skit goes far beyond coincidence or inspiration and directly appropriates his creative work.

Defendants: The defendants include Maruti International and other production houses associated with Mastiii 4. At this stage, detailed submissions on their behalf are yet to be placed on record.

Reasoning and Analysis

Justice Tushar Rao Gedela took note of the fact that Mastiii 4 has already been released in theatres on November 21, 2025, and is scheduled for an OTT release on January 16, 2026. Given the advanced stage of commercial exploitation, the Court was of the view that any interim order without hearing the producers could have far-reaching consequences.

Accordingly, the Court found it appropriate to issue short notice to the defendants to ensure they are heard before any ad-interim injunction is considered. The approach reflects judicial caution in balancing the rights of an individual content creator against the commercial realities of a released feature film, while still acknowledging the seriousness of the copyright allegations.

Decision

The Delhi High Court issued notice to the producers of Mastiii 4 on the plaintiff's application for interim relief. The matter has been directed to be listed for further hearing on January 13, 2026, when the Court will consider the plea for injunction after hearing the defendants.