One more iconic Indian film is making headlines. The case of the Hera Pheri Baburao Legal Notice is turning heads now. Hera Pheri and its franchise are among the most loved films in Indian cinema, widely regarded as an all-time classic. Known for its unforgettable characters and timeless comedy, the movie continues to hold a special place in audiences’ hearts. However, this time Hera Pheri is making headlines not for its humor, but for a legal battle and copyright infringement. The film’s producers have sent a ₹25 crore legal notice to The Kapil Sharma Show and Netflix over the alleged unauthorized use of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, one of the most iconic and beloved characters in Indian film history. There’s much more to this case than meets the eye, and if you want to know the full story, keep reading.
How the Baburao Apte Controversy Between Hera Pheri and Netflix Began
To understand this Hera Pheri Baburao Legal Notice case, we need to look at how it all started. The issue began with the promo for the final episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show, where comedian Kiku Sharda appeared impersonating Baburao Ganpatrao Apte. If we talk about Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, it is the iconic character played by Paresh Rawal in both Hera Pheri and Phir Hera Pheri, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in Indian cinema. Baburao, affectionately known as Babu Bhaiya, has become a cult figure in Indian pop culture since Hera Pheri’s release in 2000. His mannerisms, dialogues, and comic timing helped turn the film into a timeless classic.
While the act may have seemed like harmless comedy, the producers of the Hera Pheri franchise did not see it that way. Producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala raised objections, claiming the portrayal was done without any authorization from the film’s rights holders. After this, the producers did not hold back. On September 20, 2025, Firoz A. Nadiadwala issued a legal notice.
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What Did the Hera Pheri Producer Claim in the Legal Notice?
In the legal notice, several points were raised and claims were made, such as:
- ₹25 Crore: Compensation for the unauthorized use of the Baburao character.
- Removal of the Skit: Immediate takedown of the impersonation segment from The Great Indian Kapil Show and all related promos.
- Written Undertaking: A formal commitment from Netflix and the show’s makers not to use the character in the future without permission.
- Apology: An official apology to acknowledge the unauthorized use and prevent damage to the franchise’s reputation.
How Intellectual Property Law Applies to the Hera Pheri Baburao Legal Notice Case
Looking at this Hera Pheri Baburao Legal Notice case through the lens of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), it becomes clear why the producers of Hera Pheri reacted so strongly. Characters like Baburao Ganpatrao Apte are not just entertainment figures but also intellectual property assets that carry significant commercial value. Unauthorized use, even in the form of parody or comedy, can fall under copyright infringement if it exploits the character’s unique traits without permission. If the character is trademarked or registered, it also raises issues of trademark infringement and brand dilution, since it may mislead audiences into thinking the act was officially endorsed. From an IPR standpoint, the case emphasizes how creators and producers are increasingly protecting their iconic works, setting a precedent that popular characters cannot be freely used for commercial gain without proper authorization.
Conclusion
The Baburao Apte dispute highlights how iconic film characters are more than just sources of entertainment—they are valuable intellectual property. This case serves as a reminder that creators and producers are ready to protect their legacy, and going forward, anyone using such characters without permission may face serious legal consequences.
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