'October' faces plagiarism heat; Marathi filmmaker cries foul

Budding Marathi director Sarika Mene has alleged the National Award-winning director Shoojit Sircar's latest venture "October" is a copy of her film.

Sarika claims the makers of "October" have picked up the main plot point and characters from her 2017 production "Aarti The Unknown Love Story".

The Varun Dhawan-starrer romantic drama hit the theatres last week.

"When the trailer was out, I did get a gut feeling that it would be same, I was wondering such a big name would not do this to me so I thought it will be (just a) little glance of my film.

"When the film released and I saw it, it was 90 per cent same. He (Shoojit) is such a respected person... I have seen his films like 'Piku', 'Vicky Donor' I was like he has a (story) sense I am shocked he did this," Sarika told PTI.

She first filed a complaint with the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Chitrapat Maha Mandal, that represents Marathi filmmakers, and later approached the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA) and Screen Writers Association.

"The complaint was filed a week back and so far we have not got any response. I kept quiet because I wanted to know things from him.

"I have my evidence, I would want him to show his evidence. I feel there is something wrong as why he is taking so much time to reply as it ('October') is your baby, you need to respond immediately," she said.

Reacting to the claims, Shoojit told PTI, "We have received a letter. And we will surely respond to the letter officially... We will let you know our official statement."