Goa High Court rejects appeal from ex-Chief Minister to halt 'Costao' movie release
Goa's High Court Greenlights "Costão" Release, Dismissing Churchill Alemao's Defamation Claim
Hop on for a quick rundown! The Bombay High Court at Goa has given its nod to the release of the film "Costão", thwarting former Goa Chief Minister Churchill Alemao's appeals for an injunction against it.
Initially, Alemao filed a civil defamation case against the movie's producers, claiming damages worth ₹100-crore. He argued that the flick, inspired by the life of customs officer Costão Fernandes, features afalse portrayal of him and his family, painting them in a negative light and damaging his reputation, political status, and public image.
However, the producers and respondents to the case asserted that the film was purely fictional, based on the records of various courts and Costão's version of the event. In addition, they emphasized a disclaimer stating that any resemblance to real characters is purely coincidental.
Justice Valmiki Menezes, presiding over the bench, sided with the filmmakers, stating that as the film had not been released, Alemao had no grounds to believe that there was a likeness between any characters and himself or his family.
"The defendants have set out a case that the film is a work of fiction dramatizing an incident described in records of various courts. The defendants claim that the film is based on inspiration derived from the facts stated in court records and from the version of the incident stated by Costão. The film is a work purely of fiction and dramatizes the incident to give it entertainment value for viewers. There are enough safeguards in place, such as a disclaimer, to prevent any likeness," Justice Menezes said.
The movie hit OTT platforms on Thursday, with the court's order released a day prior, paving the way for its release.
For more juicy tidbits, check out "Nawazuddin Siddiqui swam in crocodile-infested lake for Costão, finished shot despite bike brakes failing".
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- The Bombay High Court at Goa has given the greenlight for the release of the Bollywood movie "Costão", disregarding former Goa Chief Minister Churchill Alemao's defamation claim against the producers.
- Initially, Alemao filed a civil defamation case claiming damages worth ₹100-crore, alleging that the movie features a false portrayal of him and his family, damaging his reputation, political status, and public image.
- However, the movie's producers and respondents asserted that the film was purely fictional, based on court records and the account of the subject Costão Fernandes. They highlighted a disclaimer stating any resemblance to real characters is purely coincidental.
- Justice Valmiki Menezes, presiding over the bench, ruled in favor of the filmmakers, arguing that since the film had not been released, Alemao had no grounds to believe that there was a likeness between any characters and himself or his family.
- The "Costão" movie was released on OTT platforms on Thursday, a day after the court's order was released, paving the way for its entertainment value for viewers.
