The trouble doesn’t seem to be ending for Mastiii 4. Just weeks after its theatrical release, the Riteish Deshmukh–Aftab Shivdasani–Vivek Oberoi starrer has landed in legal hot water, with a popular content creator accusing the makers of copying his work.
What the Case Is About
Content creator RJ Ashish Sharma has approached the Delhi High Court, alleging that a key comedy sequence in Mastiii 4 has been lifted from one of his Instagram reels posted two years ago. The reel, titled Shaq Karne Ka Nateeja, reportedly crossed 11 million views and, according to Sharma, was used without his consent or credit.
In his petition, Sharma claims that the resemblance goes far beyond inspiration. He has alleged that the central idea, storyline flow, character interactions, sequence of events, and even the punchline of the scene mirror his original reel.
What Sharma Is Demanding
The content creator has sought:
- A permanent injunction against the film
- Financial compensation
- A detailed disclosure of the film’s profits, arguing that his work was commercially exploited without permission
He also stressed before the court that he is the sole creator and owner of the original reel and that such alleged plagiarism undermines the creative rights of digital creators contributing original ideas to mainstream entertainment.
Delhi HC Issues Notice
A single-judge bench led by Justice Tushar Rao Gedela heard Sharma’s plea on January 6, 2026. Taking into account the film’s release cycle and upcoming digital premiere, the court issued a notice to the producers, giving them an opportunity to respond before any interim order is passed.
The judge reportedly observed that a short notice was appropriate given the stage at which the dispute has surfaced. The matter is now scheduled to be heard next on January 13, 2026.
Makers Yet to Respond
As of now, the makers of Mastiii 4 have not issued any official statement addressing the allegations. Their response in court is awaited.
About Mastiii 4
Released on November 21, 2025, Mastiii 4 brought back the original trio — Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Aftab Shivdasani — and featured an ensemble cast including Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri, Elnaaz Norouzi, Ruhi Singh, Shreya Sharma, and Shaad Randhawa.
The film was directed by Milap Zaveri and backed by multiple banners including Waveband Production, Zee Studios, Maruti International, and Balaji Motion Pictures.
Final Words
With plagiarism disputes becoming increasingly common in the era of viral digital content, the Mastiii 4 case could turn into a significant moment for creator rights in Indian entertainment. For now, all eyes are on January 13 — when the court hears the matter next and the makers finally put forward their defence.
