Madras High Court restrains cable operators, ISPs from illegally broadcasting film Thamma

The Madras High Court recently granted an ad-interim injunction in favour of producer, Maddock Films Private Limited, restraining internet service providers (ISPs) and cable television operators across India from unauthorisedly broadcasting or streaming its new film Thamma [Maddock Films Vs Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited].

A Bench of Justice N Senthilkumar passed the order in two connected applications filed by Maddock Films.

“In matters of this nature, it is likely that irreversible injury will occur unless unlawful broadcast is restrained,” the Court observed while granting an interim restraining order in favour of Maddock until November 14, when the matter will be heard next.

The Court also noted that the broad relief sought by Maddock may inadvertently affect the legitimate business interests of some of the respondents to the suit.

It sought their response in the matter and hinted that Maddock may have to indemnify the respondents if any of their legitimate business interests are affected by the injunction.

"At the same time, it is possible that the legitimate business interest of one or more respondents may be affected on account of the expansive nature of relief claimed. Therefore, it is just and necessary that the plaintiff indemnify in respect thereof. Subject to the aforesaid condition, orders of ad interim injunction as prayed for are granted in these applications until 14.11.2025," the Court's October 17 order said.

Thamma was released on October 21. The film, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, is a Hindi-language romantic comedy-horror forming part of the Maddock studio’s horror comedy universe. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Paresh Rawal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the film follows movies such as Stree and Bhediya, which explore similar supernatural themes.

The film's producer had moved the High Court to prevent the film from being pirated or broadcast without permission. It sought relief against a wide range of ISPs and local cable operators.

Among the 30-plus respondents named in Maddock's suit were Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Bharti Airtel, Tata Communications, Reliance Jio Infocomm, Hathway Cable and Datacom, Sify Technologies, Asianet Satellite Communications, and Thamizhaga Cable TV Communication Pvt Ltd, among others.

Maddock was represented by Advocates T Pandiyan, S Deepak and Nivetha S from PK Law Firm.

[Read Order]