CBFC Cuts 96 Seconds Of Kissing Scenes From Chand Mera Dil
Upcoming romantic drama Chand Mera Dil, starring Lakshya and Ananya Panday, has received a U/A 16+ certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification ahead of its May 22 release.
The CBFC directed the makers to trim nearly 96 seconds of kissing scenes, including removal of a 10-second sequence and deletion of additional lip-lock visuals lasting 1 minute 26 seconds. The board also asked the producers to submit consent letters for all child artists appearing in the film.
Directed by Vivek Soni and backed by Dharma Productions, the film has a runtime of 2 hours 15 minutes. The fresh pairing and soundtrack have already generated strong pre-release buzz.
Delhi HC Refuses Interim Relief To Raghav Chadha In Personality Rights Case
The Delhi High Court declined interim relief to Raghav Chadha in his personality rights plea over social media criticism following his political switch from AAP to BJP. Justice Subramonium Prasad orally observed that satire, criticism and political cartoons are integral to democratic discourse and cannot be restrained merely because they are unpleasant.
The Court held that no prima facie case of personality rights violation was made out, noting the disputed posts related to criticism of political decisions. Referring to legendary cartoonist R. K. Laxman, the bench stressed the historical role of satire in public debate.
The Court suggested Chadha’s grievance may fall under defamation law instead. It reserved orders and allowed him to amend the petition to include defamation claims if pursued.
Varun Beverages Extends PepsiCo Bottling, Trademark Deal Till 2049
Varun Beverages Limited, PepsiCo’s largest franchise bottler outside the US, has extended its Exclusive Bottling Appointment and trademark licence agreement with PepsiCo and its affiliates in India until April 30, 2049. The earlier agreement was valid till 2039.
The revised arrangement also removes a clause restricting VBL from operating solely as a special purpose vehicle for PepsiCo-related business.
The company reported strong Q1 CY2026 performance, with revenue rising 18.1% to ₹6,574.2 crore and consolidated sales volumes increasing 16.3% to 36.3 crore cases. Low- and no-sugar beverages accounted for nearly 63% of total sales volume, highlighting shifting consumer preferences.
Chairman Ravi Jaipuria said growth was driven by strong demand, expanded distribution, new product strategies and improved operational efficiencies.
Roy Kapur Films Warns Against Fake Casting Calls
Roy Kapur Films has issued a public warning against fraudulent casting calls allegedly circulated by former casting director Vineet Lalita Pandey. In an Instagram statement, the production house clarified that Pandey’s services were terminated earlier and that he is no longer authorised to represent the company or any of its projects.
The company stated that no auditions are currently being conducted in Uttar Pradesh and warned aspiring actors against responding to unofficial casting notices. It also shared screenshots of the alleged fake audition posts.
The incident adds to a growing pattern of scams in the Hindi film industry, where fraudsters misuse the names of major studios like Yash Raj Films and Dharma Productions to solicit money through fake auditions, workshops and registration schemes on social media platforms.
Nykaa Moves Delhi HC to Implead Meta in Zee Music Copyright Dispute
Nykaa has approached the Delhi High Court seeking to make Meta Platforms a party to its ongoing copyright dispute with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited over the use of songs in Instagram reels promoting Nykaa products.
Zee alleges that Nykaa used copyrighted music from its catalogue for commercial promotions without obtaining the required licence and has sought damages of nearly $210,000. Nykaa argued that Meta’s participation is necessary because the platform is best placed to clarify whether such usage violates Instagram’s licensing terms.
While Zee contends its agreement with Meta permits music usage only for non-commercial purposes, Nykaa has disputed that interpretation and requested mediation. The case could significantly impact brand advertising, influencer marketing and music licensing practices on social media platforms in India.
Delhi HC Grants Interim Relief in ‘Bachpan Ka Pyar’ Copyright Dispute
The Delhi High Court granted interim relief to Ivy Entertainment Private Limited in a copyright suit concerning the song Bachpan Ka Pyar and its hook line “jaane meri janeman bachpan ka pyar bhool nahi jaana re.”
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela restrained several YouTube channel operators and unidentified infringers from using the song without authorisation and directed three named channels to disclose revenue earned from exploiting it.
Ivy Entertainment claimed ownership through a 2025 IP acquisition agreement covering a portfolio of 1,250 songs, including the viral track originally created in 2017 and later adapted by Badshah and Sahdev Dirdo in 2021. The Court held that Ivy had established a prima facie case and noted that unauthorised uploads had garnered millions of views.
Delhi HC Upholds Injunction in Ilaiyaraaja–Saregama Copyright Dispute
The Delhi High Court upheld an interim injunction in favour of Saregama India Limited in the copyright dispute over the song En Iniya Pon Nilave from Moodu Pani.
A Division Bench of Justices C. Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla held that composer Ilaiyaraaja remains the first owner of copyright in the musical composition under Section 14(a)(vi) of the Copyright Act. However, the Court clarified that he holds no rights over the lyrics or original sound recording, which vested with the film producer and were later assigned to Saregama.
The Bench ruled that Ilaiyaraaja could authorise adaptation of the musical work alone, but could not license the lyrics or sound recording for use in Aghathiyaa, thereby sustaining the injunction.
Karuppu Makers Apologise Over Dialogue Targeting Ilaiyaraaja’s Copyright Disputes
The makers of Karuppu have apologised and announced they will remove or modify a dialogue referencing Ilaiyaraaja after criticism erupted online over a scene mocking his copyright enforcement actions.
The controversy stemmed from a sequence featuring the song Poradada from Alai Osai, followed by a dialogue perceived as a dig at Ilaiyaraaja’s legal action against unauthorised use of his music. In a statement, the production team clarified that the reference was intended as satire without any motive to disrespect the composer or diminish his contribution to music.
Expressing regret over the backlash, the makers said they deeply respected Ilaiyaraaja and would alter the disputed portion in future versions and subsequent exploitations of the film.