A few days after filmmaker Siddharth P. Malhotra spoke about his plans for a film on Meena Kumari and Kamal Amrohi, Prableen Sandhu of Almighty Motion Picture issued a formal clarification asserting the company’s exclusive trademark rights over the words “Meena Kumari” for cinematic and audio-visual use.
The company stated that any feature film, web series, television show, documentary or any other audio-visual project using the name “Meena Kumari” without its authorization would be treated as unauthorized and could invite legal action.
However, senior lawyer Rohini Vakil believes that the trademark claim, by itself, does not prevent a biographical film from being made.
“The mere ownership of a trademark over the name ‘Meena Kumari’ does not, by itself, confer an absolute right to prohibit the production of a biographical film or documentary based on her life. Trademark protection is intended to prevent infringement and consumer confusion in relation to the registered goods or services, and does not create a monopoly over the depiction of a historical or public figure. The legality of using the name in the title or content of a biopic must be assessed on the specific facts, the manner of use, and the applicable principles of trademark law and freedom of expression.”
Asked whether the Amrohi family can still proceed with a film on Meena Kumari, Vakil said, “They can easily make a film. Merely registering the title doesn’t entitle you to make a biopic.”
Vakil’s opinion indicates that while trademark registration may offer protection against unauthorized commercial use of a name, it does not automatically grant exclusive rights over the life story of a celebrated public figure.
