The upcoming film Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, starring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri, is mired in controversy following serious allegations of plagiarism. Producer Sanjay Tiwari has accused writer-director Raaj Shaandilyaa of lifting the concept and storyline from a script registered by Gulbanu Khan in 2015, titled Sex Hai Toh Life Hai...?.
Tiwari claims that the central idea of both projects is strikingly similar: a husband and wife create a private video to enhance their relationship, only for it to go missing. He stated, “After watching the promo, we realized Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video revolves around the same idea. We have sent the makers a legal notice and await their proper response. If we do not receive a reply within the next 2-3 days, we will take appropriate action.”
The plot’s resemblance has raised eyebrows, especially since Khan's script was officially registered with the Screen Writers Association nearly a decade ago. Tiwari noted, “I had plans to start this film in 2017-2018. The delays were due to personal issues and the pandemic, but the idea has been ours from the beginning.”
Gulbanu Khan echoed Tiwari’s concerns, expressing her shock over the allegations. “It’s shocking that someone could misappropriate our ideas,” she remarked. “The central idea of any film is crucial; it’s the foundation upon which the story is built. Without it, the narrative cannot stand. Films like Bala and Ujda Chaman also showcase similar examples.”
This is not the first time Raj Shandilyaa has been accused of plagiarism. He has faced multiple accusations of plagiarism, raising serious concerns about his creative integrity. These allegations have emerged from various sources, including former collaborators and childhood friends, who claim that he has taken concepts and stories without proper attribution.
One of the most notable cases involved filmmaker Janak Toprani, who alleged that Shandilyaa's film Dream Girl with striking similarities to his own project, Call for Run. This incident set a precedent, leading to further scrutiny of Shandilyaa's body of work.
Additionally, writer Jitendra Gianchandani had claimed that Shandilyaa's film Janhit Mein Jaari was derived from a script he co-wrote, raising questions about Shandilyaa’s originality. This was compounded by allegations from his childhood friend, Ankur Shukla, who filed a complaint claiming that Shandilyaa had copied the story for his film Luv Ki Arrange Marriage.
These repeated accusations suggest a troubling pattern, with critics questioning whether Shandilyaa's success is rooted in genuine creativity or borrowing from others.
The current controversy casts a shadow over the film 'Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video' release which is scheduled for October 11, 2024. As the situation develops, it highlights the ongoing challenges of originality and intellectual property in the competitive landscape of the Indian film industry. How Shaandilyaa and his team respond to these allegations could significantly impact the film’s future.