The script controversy around Dhurandhar: The Revenge has now taken a calm turn. The Bombay High Court has disposed of the defamation suit filed by filmmaker Aditya Dhar after director Santosh Kumar tendered an apology for his earlier statements.
The case was closed on April 30 by Justice Arif Doctor, bringing temporary relief to both sides.
The issue began when Santosh Kumar held a press conference and claimed that the film’s script was “copied” from his original work titled D Saheb. He said the script had been registered with the Screenwriters Association in 2023 and alleged that it was used without permission.
Following these claims Aditya Dhar approached the court stating that such remarks were defamatory and harmful to his reputation.
While closing the matter, the court recorded, “Mr. Bhura, the counsel appearing on behalf of Santosh Kumar (who is present in Court) has tendered an apology for the statements made in the press meeting held on March 30, 2026.”
It further noted, “Dr. Saraf… submits that, in light of the apology tendered, his client does not wish to precipitate the Suit for damages… nothing further survives in the Suit and the same is accordingly disposed of.”
However, the court also made it clear that Kumar can still pursue legal action if he wants to claim rights over the script.
In earlier hearings, the court had asked both sides to settle the issue without escalating it further. Initially, Kumar’s side did not offer an apology but later he agreed and assured that no more defamatory comments would be made.
For now, the legal battle has paused with an apology. But the door remains open if Santosh Kumar decides to take further action regarding his claims.
