In an unexpected turn of events, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the renowned Indian Premier League (IPL) team, found themselves making headlines not for their cricketing prowess but for a legal tussle involving a popular movie. The franchise recently took Rajinikanth starrer “Jailer” movie’s makers to the Delhi High Court, citing a defamatory scene that stirred a significant uproar. This legal confrontation showcases the power of branding but also the role of the courts in maintaining a balance between creative expression and safeguarding a brand’s reputation.
At the heart of the controversy lies a particular scene within the movie “Jailer.” This scene depicts a contract killer donning an RCB jersey while perpetuating misogynistic behaviour. The portrayal struck a nerve with the franchise, who found the association of their iconic jersey with such negative connotations deeply troubling. In response, RCB decided to take legal action against the film’s creators.
In a move to protect their image and dissociate themselves from the offensive content, RCB knocked on the doors of the Delhi High Court. The franchise urged the court to remove all stills and sequences featuring the RCB jersey from the movie. The legal battle became a talking point among cricket enthusiasts and film fans alike, raising questions about the intersection of creative freedom and protecting the reputation of a well-established brand.
Much to the relief of RCB and their loyal fan base, the verdict ultimately favoured the franchise’s stance. The Delhi High Court issued a directive stating that starting from 1 September 2023, no theatres would be permitted to exhibit scenes showcasing the RCB jersey. Additionally, the altered version of the film, devoid of controversial content, would be broadcast on television, satellite, and various OTT platforms.
The Delhi High Court has ordered Rajanikanth's Jailer movie team to remove the scene where the RCB jersey was shown. pic.twitter.com/u9S9k13uci
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 28, 2023
The court’s decision brought joy and relief among RCB supporters. The franchise’s efforts to uphold its reputation had paid off, affirming the significance of a team’s branding. However, as is often the case with social media, a few non-RCB supporters seized the opportunity to unleash their creativity through humorous memes and posts. These reactions showcased the dynamic nature of online conversations and how controversies can become a breeding ground for comedic content.
No one respects RCB 😭😭🤣🤣🤣
— 𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐬𝐌𝐒𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐧™ (@Itzshreyas07) August 28, 2023
High court should have ordered to remove RCB from IPL forever pic.twitter.com/PWXDCaBEyv
— Raghav Masoom (@comedibanda) August 28, 2023
Doesn't give trophy to RCB
— TANGENT (@pra_tea_k) August 28, 2023
The RCB vs “Jailer” movie dispute serves as a reminder that in today’s interconnected world, every action can trigger unexpected consequences. Brands, especially those as prominent as RCB, must be vigilant in protecting their image while navigating the complexities of artistic expression. The legal battle underscores the delicate balance that courts must strike between safeguarding a brand’s reputation and upholding the principles of creative freedom.
