The much-anticipated finale of The Great Indian Kapil Show, featuring Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, has hit a major legal roadblock. Firoz A. Nadiadwala, producer of the iconic Hera Pheri films, has issued a ₹25 crore legal notice against Netflix and the show’s makers for allegedly misusing the beloved Baburao Ganpatrao Apte character.
The controversy stems from the show’s promotional material, which features comedian Kiku Sharda dressed as Baburao—a character immortalized by Paresh Rawal. Nadiadwala claims the act was performed without the proper permissions, describing it as both a copyright and trademark violation under Indian law. “Baburao is not just a character, but the soul of Hera Pheri,” Nadiadwala said. “This legacy was built with our sweat, vision, and creativity. It cannot be exploited for commercial gain.”
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Legal Demands
The notice demands immediate removal of the segment from Netflix, social media, and other platforms. Additionally, it asks for a written assurance that Baburao will not be used again without permission, a formal apology within 24 hours, and ₹25 crore in damages within two days. Failure to comply, the notice warns, could result in both civil and criminal proceedings.
Impact on the Show
For now, the finale is still scheduled to stream on September 20, but the legal action casts uncertainty over the segment. If the demands are enforced, the Baburao parody may be edited out or removed entirely, dimming the celebratory tone of the show’s much-anticipated conclusion.
Legacy vs. Parody
This case underscores the fine line between homage and infringement in entertainment. While parody has long been a staple of comedy, using a character as iconic as Baburao without consent raises serious legal and ethical questions. Experts say it highlights the importance of respecting intellectual property, even in seemingly light-hearted content.
