RJ and content creator Ashish Sharma has approached the Delhi High Court. He alleges that the makers of Mastiii 4 copied one of his viral Instagram skits without his permission. Sharma claims that a scene in the film closely resembles his original video, which went viral in January 2024.
Sharma says his Instagram skit, “Shaq Karne Ka Nateeja,” has unique dialogue and a storyline. He argues that the film mirrored both the sequence of events and the punchline. Therefore, Sharma believes the makers infringed his copyright. He also claims they neither sought permission nor credited his work.
In his petition, Sharma asks the court to issue a permanent injunction. This would prevent the scene from appearing in future screenings or online releases. Additionally, he seeks compensation and a detailed account of profits earned from the allegedly copied material. Sharma emphasizes that he is the sole creator of the skit and owns its copyright.
Mastiii 4 released in theaters on November 21, 2025. The makers planned to release it on OTT platforms on January 16, 2026. During the hearing, Justice Tushar Rao Gedela noted that the film producers should respond before the court issues any interim orders. Consequently, the court issued notices to the makers and scheduled the next hearing for January 13, 2026.
This case highlights the growing tension between social media creators and filmmakers. Many creators argue that their online content deserves protection like television or film content. Legal experts say the court’s decision could set an important precedent for copyright issues in India.
Meanwhile, Sharma’s fans have expressed support online, praising him for standing up for digital creators. The case could influence how filmmakers handle content inspired by social media in the future.
