Delhi High Court Scrutinizes Mastiii 4 Over Copyright Row: Viral Reel Creator Alleges Scene Was Copied
RJ Ashish Sharma says film’s comedy sequence mirrors his 11-million-view Instagram skit without consent
Court notice to producers ahead of OTT release; case highlights rising clash between social media content and Bollywood
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi, January 8, 2026:
The Delhi High Court has stepped into a copyright dispute involving Bollywood film Mastiii 4, starring Riteish Deshmukh, Aftab Shivdasani, and Vivek Oberoi. The case was filed by RJ and influencer Ashish Sharma, who alleged that a comedy scene in the film was directly lifted from his viral Instagram reel “Shaq Karne Ka Nateeja,” posted in January 2024.
Also Read: Smart Tax Move: How Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) Can Legally Double Your Tax-Free Income
The reel, which revolved around suspicion-driven humour, became a viral hit with over 11 million views, boosting Sharma’s popularity on social media. He now claims the film’s producers copied not just the idea but also the storyline, character interactions, sequence of events, and punchline without permission.
Case Background
- Mastiii 4 released in theatres on November 21, 2025, collecting around ₹30 crore worldwide.
- Ahead of its OTT release, Sharma filed a petition in the Delhi High Court on January 6, 2026.
- He alleged that the film’s comedy sequence was a replica of his viral reel.
- Sharma has sought:
- Permanent injunction against the film’s OTT release until the matter is resolved.
- Monetary compensation for copyright infringement.
- Disclosure of profits earned from the film.
Court’s Observations
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, hearing the matter, noted the urgency given the film’s OTT release timeline. The Court has:
- Issued notice to the producers of Mastiii 4.
- Directed them to respond to Sharma’s allegations.
- Taken cognizance of the claim that the film’s sequence mirrors Sharma’s reel in idea, narrative flow, and punchline.
Wider Implications
- For Content Creators: The case highlights the growing tension between social media creators and mainstream cinema, as viral content increasingly inspires films.
- For Bollywood: Raises questions about originality and the need to credit digital creators whose work influences scripts.
- For Legal Framework: Reinforces the importance of copyright protection in the digital age, where viral reels can be monetized and replicated.
Expert Opinions
- Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for protecting viral digital content under copyright law.
- Media analysts note that Bollywood often borrows from internet trends, but failing to credit creators risks litigation.
- Content creators welcomed the move, saying it validates their work as intellectual property deserving protection.
Global Context
Similar disputes have emerged worldwide:
- In the US, TikTok creators have sued brands for using viral dances without credit.
- In Europe, courts have recognized short-form digital content as copyrightable works.
- India’s ruling could align with global trends, strengthening protections for influencers and digital creators.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s intervention in the Mastiii 4 copyright case marks a turning point in the relationship between Bollywood and social media creators. By scrutinizing allegations of plagiarism, the Court has reinforced the principle that viral digital content is intellectual property and cannot be copied without consent.
The outcome of this case will not only impact the film’s OTT release but also shape how Indian cinema engages with the booming world of Instagram reels, TikTok videos, and digital skits.
Suggested Keywords for SEO (Google + ChatGPT)
- Mastiii 4 copyright case Delhi High Court
- RJ Ashish Sharma viral reel lawsuit
- Bollywood plagiarism Instagram skit
- Riteish Deshmukh Mastiii 4 legal trouble
- Delhi HC notice Mastiii 4 producers
- Shaq Karne Ka Nateeja copyright case
- Mastiii 4 OTT release controversy
- Social media content copyright India
- Bollywood vs influencer copyright dispute
- Mastiii 4 plagiarism allegations