The makers of Mastiii 4 have been pulled into a copyright row after radio jockey and content creator Ashish Sharma moved the Delhi High Court, alleging that a comic scene in the film was lifted from one of his viral Instagram skits without permission.
What Ashish Sharma is claiming
Sharma says a sequence in Mastiii 4 closely mirrors his January 2024 skit titled “Shaq Karne Ka Nateeja.” The audio-visual sketch, built around suspicion-driven humour, reportedly crossed 11 million views on Instagram and helped grow Sharma’s online profile.
In his petition, Sharma alleges that the producers copied not just the basic idea but the storyline, character interactions, sequence of events and even the punchline. He has asked the court for a permanent injunction, monetary damages and a detailed account of profits, claiming his work was used without consent or credit.
Where the case stands in court
The matter was heard by a single-judge Bench of Justice Tushar Rao Gedela on January 6, 2026. With Mastiii 4 scheduled to premiere on an OTT platform on January 16, 2026, the judge observed that the film’s imminent digital release made speedy action necessary.
Rather than grant immediate relief, the court issued notice to the film’s producers so they can present their side before any interim order. The next hearing is listed for January 13, 2026.
Relief sought and legal angles
- Permanent injunction to stop further use or distribution of the allegedly copied material.
- Financial compensation for unauthorised use.
- An audited account of profits earned from the film, to determine any share attributable to the alleged infringement.
Timing and production details
Mastiii 4, produced by Maruti International along with other production houses, released in theatres on November 21, 2025, and has completed its theatrical run. The OTT premiere slated for January 16, 2026 was a key factor in the court’s decision to issue a short notice to the producers.
Why this matters beyond one scene
The dispute highlights a growing friction between social media creators and mainstream cinema. Many digital creators now produce original short-form sketches that rack up millions of views and shape popular culture. When elements of that content appear in films without permission or credit, it raises questions about creative ownership, attribution and fair use.
Legal experts say the case could set a precedent on how courts treat alleged copying of short-form internet content by larger film productions — especially when the digital life cycle of a movie is so compressed from theatre to OTT.
What to watch next
The court will hear the matter again on January 13, 2026. Until then, the makers of Mastiii 4 have been asked to respond to the allegations. The outcome will be watched closely by content creators and filmmakers alike, as it could influence future collaborations and the way original online material is credited or licensed in Indian cinema.
Also Read: Trade experts have criticised Mastiii 4 for relying on jokes that didn’t land and for casting choices that felt misaligned with its target youth audience.
