Varun Dhawan’s ‘October’ Charged With Plagiarism, Is Allegedly A Copy Of Marathi Film ‘Aarti’

Shoojit Sircar’s October, which stars Varun Dhawan and Banita Sandhu in lead roles, has been receiving all the praises from the critics as well as audiences. The emotional and distorted tale of two acquaintances – a beautiful yet heartbreaking story of love and loss – has struck the chord with everyone who has watched it.

However, looks like, the movie is a copy of a Marathi film.

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Filmmaker/editor Hemal Tridevi saw the movie and noticed that the film was similar to Marathi film 'Aarti'. On behalf of Arti’s director Sarika Mene, who shared the true story of her brother in the movie, highlighted that the movie is plagiarised in an FB post.

Here's what she wrote:?

"Shoojit Sircar’s October is a copy of a Marathi film – Aarti -- the unknown Love Story

My friends on Facebook who are connected to Bollywood film and media -- please spread the word. Shoojit Sircar stole Sarika Mene’s acclaimed Marathi film – Aarti – the unknown love story, to make October. Aarti is based on a true story of the film’s director’s own brother -- Sunny. It is alleged that Sircar has not just picked up the plot and the storyline, but has also blatantly copied the look and the moments from the original film.

The filmmakers of October never acquired any rights to the Marathi film and they never contacted Sarika (the director). Sarika is now so depressed that she is almost suicidal. For the past couple of days she has been knocking on doors of various associations in India -- but none have offered any concrete help. She has already spent about 2 lacs in trying to get justice.

Sarika comes from a middle class family and she had sold her ancestral home to make her Marathi film. She will not be able to afford steep legal bills and the uphill battle.

I had acquired 40% rights to adapt this film in Hindi -- and had made modest investments in writing the screenplay and composing the songs. But while we were in the midst of making the Hindi version -- October was released.

I would appreciate if you wrote a story or an article on this -- for the sake of protecting indie voices in Bollywood. I would also appreciate if you can recommend an IP lawyer in India, who can take this case pro bono. Sarika wants to fight. I want to help her with the fight too.

I am happy to share a private link with anyone wanting to help us out with getting justice. Please message me."

Also Read:?'October' Actress Banita Sandhu Explains Why Less Is More In This Story About Love

You can watch the trailer of Aarti below.?

Also Read:?Banita Sandhu Shares An Emotional Account Of Getting Her Hair Chopped Off For Film 'October'