Kerala court restrains Tovino Thomas' Minnal Murali producers, Netflix from using film characters for this reason

The writers of the 2021 Malayalam superhero film Minnal Murali, which starred actor Tovino Thomas in the lead role, have moved the court claiming that the characters they penned for the film have been infringed upon by the producers of the film and that they are the sole owners of the characters they created. Minnal Murali, which is streaming on Netflix, is produced by Weekend Blockbusters.

Minnal Murali writers move court over copyright infringement

Tovino Thomas starred in the superhero film Minnal Murali directed by Basil Joseph in 2021. The film released through Netflix. In the latest update, as per a report by The News Minute, writers Arun AR and Justin Mathew filed a petition at the Ernakulam district court recently asking the authorities to issue an injunction order against any parties using the characters from Minnal Murali for commercial purposes, which the court has agreed.

It is to be noted that only a few days ago, Dhyan Sreenivasan announced a new film titled Detective Ujjwalan with Weekend Blockbusters. The upcoming film is also set in the Minnal Murali universe, hinting at the possible universe-building and connection with the Tovino Thomas-starrer. It is also to be noted that a comic was planned earlier based on the character. However, it is not sure if the project involves the writers' nod.

Also read: Minnal Murali comic to go into print by the end of 2023 

The writers contest that their permission was not sought to use the characters, they created, by the makers of the new film and that they own the copyright of their creations, including the right to make spin-offs and create merchandise out of them.

Court orders in favour of Minnal Murali writers

Following the petition, the Kerala court has ordered the production banner Weekend Blockbusters and streaming platform Netflix from using the characters for now. This includes the parties will not be able to make spin-offs, merchandise or use any creatives for commercial purposes.

Also read: Minnal Murali review: Tovino Thomas and Basil Joseph create a storm with a slick, homegrown superhero 

Minnal Murali is a superhero film starring Tovino Thomas in the lead role. It revolves around a tailor, who resides in a small village in Kerala, getting superhuman powers after being struck by a lightning.