Tumbbad director Rahi Anil Barve has shared a word of caution for aspiring filmmakers: Read the contract carefully. The filmmaker, who made his debut with the long-in-the-making Tumbbad, said that producers often treat a debutante’s fee and intellectual property rights as a “joke”. The cult horror film, which saw a bumper response in its re-release last month, was initially conceptualised by Rahi in the 1990s, and took 15 years to make.
The filmmaker took to X and posted a note for aspiring directors, warning them against lopsided legal contracts which can cut them out of their own IP. “Be cautious when making your first film. In Bollywood, intellectual property rights (IPR) and first-timer’s fees are often treated as a joke in studio’s legal contracts. Many struggling artistes, desperate to get their projects off the ground, fail to grasp the seriousness of the issue. Some even can’t afford a basic lawyer to help them understand the terms,” he wrote.
“Many creators and artistes I have worked with recently have faced the same situation, resulting in significant losses. In the short term we are exploited for very little, but in the long run, we end up losing far more than we can afford. Please be protective of your intellectual property rights before signing any contracts in the future,” the note read.
intellectual property rights (IPR) and first-timer’s fees are often treated as a joke in studio’s legal contracts.
in long run we end up losing far more than we can afford.
Please be protective of your intellectual property rights before signing any contracts in the future. pic.twitter.com/CHptIWHcRZ— rahi anil barve (@BarveRahi) October 1, 2024
Rahi’s note comes amid speculations that he has had a fallout with Tumbbad producer and actor Sohum Shah, after he announced that he won’t be a part of Tumbbad 2. Rahi, instead, is working on spiritual sequels Pahadpangira and Pakshitirtha.
In an interview with India Today, Sohum Shah dismissed having any “issues” with him, and said the team was trying to mount Tumbbad 2 for a long time but is now finally happening with screenwriter Yogesh Chandekar (Andhadhun, Monica O My Darling). “As for Rahi, he has been working on mega shows like Gulkanda Tales and Rakt Bramhand. He has been working on those massive projects for a few years now. Recently, we had a screening and Rahi was there. He was the one who designed Vinayak’s (his character) look.
“Whenever we are making Tumbbad 2, and we need him, he will be there. And I think it’s vice versa, as I would always be there for him when he needs me. Rahi is an important part of my life. It’s not that we were friends who started working together. We met as colleagues and then formed a friendship. We are really good,” Sohum added.
Tumbbad has scripted history by becoming the highest-earning film in its re-release, netting over Rs 25 crore. While a sequel has already been announced, further details about it are awaited.
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