On May 7, 2025, the Bombay High Court upheld a stay on the release of the film Shaadi Ke Director Karan Aur Johar, ruling that its title infringes upon filmmaker Karan Johar’s personality and publicity rights. The court emphasized that Johar has garnered “immense goodwill and reputation” in the entertainment industry, both in India and globally, and that the use of his name in the film’s title could mislead the public into believing he was associated with the project .

Karan Johar had approached the court in June 2024, arguing that the filmmakers failed to act on a cease-and-desist notice he had sent them, asking them not to use his name in the movie. He clarified that he had no connection with the film and submitted that the filmmakers were trying to capitalize on his goodwill and reputation by using his name to mislead the public .

The court dismissed the appeal filed by the film’s maker, Sanjay Singh, challenging the earlier order and upheld the stay on the film’s release .

Sources