Riteish Deshmukh, Aftab Shivdasani, and Vivek Oberoi’s comedy film Mastiii 4, which released in November 2024, is now embroiled in a legal dispute over alleged content plagiarism.
Content Creator Files Copyright Infringement Case
Content creator Ashish Sharma has filed a case against the makers of Mastiii 4 in the Delhi High Court on January 6, 2026, claiming that a significant comedy scene in the movie replicates his viral Instagram reel without permission or credit.
According to Live Law reports, Ashish Sharma alleges that a comedy sequence in Mastiii 4 bears striking similarities to his reel titled “Shaq Karne Ka Nateeja,” which he posted in January 2024. The reel had garnered over 11 million views on Instagram before the film’s release.
Details of the Plagiarism Allegations
In his legal plea, Sharma stated that the film’s producers replicated several elements from his original work, including:
- The central idea and storyline
- Character interactions and dynamics
- Sequence of events in the comedy scene
- The comic punchline
The content creator claims that this replication occurred without obtaining his consent or providing any attribution for his creative work.
Legal Demands and Court Proceedings
Ashish Sharma has requested the Delhi High Court to grant:
- A permanent injunction against the film’s makers
- Financial compensation for unauthorised use
- A complete profit report related to the film
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela heard the plea on January 6, 2026, during a single-judge bench hearing. Considering the film’s upcoming digital release on OTT platforms, the court issued a notice to the producers, allowing them time to present their response before any interim order is considered.
The judge noted that a short notice period was appropriate given the film’s current release stage. The next hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2026.
Aftab Shivdasani Addresses Masti Franchise Criticism
In a previous interview with Times Now, Aftab Shivdasani addressed recurring criticism surrounding the Masti franchise. He clarified that the films focus on entertainment rather than moral lessons.
“From Masti 1, people said we were objectifying women and promoting extramarital affairs. But the premise of the film was simple: three men want to have fun outside, but end up learning a lesson from their wives. We were never trying to preach. It’s all for entertainment, not to oversensitise people,” Shivdasani explained.
He emphasized that the franchise’s humorous approach should not be taken seriously, stating, “There are many independent films about extramarital affairs, but when Masti touches on it, it causes a big stir. It’s only for fun and people should not take it seriously.”
About Mastiii 4 Cast and Release
Released on November 21, 2024, Mastiii 4 features the return of the franchise’s original lead trio—Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Aftab Shivdasani. The film’s ensemble cast includes:
- Arshad Warsi
- Tusshar Kapoor
- Nargis Fakhri
- Elnaaz Norouzi
- Ruhi Singh
- Shreya Sharma
- Shaad Randhawa
The film is expected to release on OTT platforms in January 2026, making the timing of this legal case particularly significant for the producers.
What This Means for Bollywood Content Creation
This plagiarism case highlights growing concerns about intellectual property rights in the digital age, particularly regarding content created for social media platforms. As Instagram reels and viral content continue to gain massive viewership, questions about proper attribution and licensing become increasingly important for film producers and content creators alike.
The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for how Bollywood approaches sourcing ideas from viral social media content and the rights of digital content creators in the entertainment industry.
