It was supposed to be another raunchy comedy win for Bollywood—but now, the much-talked-about Mastiii 4 is fighting for its reputation in court. The Delhi High Court has officially issued a notice to the film’s producers after popular digital creator Ashish Sharma filed a lawsuit alleging striking similarities between a key comedy scene in the movie and his wildly popular Instagram reel that garnered over 11 million views .
This case isn’t just about one joke or sketch—it’s become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over intellectual property rights in India’s fast-evolving digital and film industries, where the line between “inspiration” and outright copying is increasingly blurry.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Mastiii 4 Plagiarism Allegation?
- Who Is Ashish Sharma—and Why His Reel Matters
- Delhi High Court’s Response and Legal Implications
- A Growing Trend: Bollywood’s History with Digital Content
- Why This Case Could Set a Precedent
- What Happens Next for Mastiii 4?
- How Creators Can Protect Their Work
- Sources
What Is the Mastiii 4 Plagiarism Allegation?
According to court documents and media reports, Ashish Sharma—a well-known comedy content creator on Instagram—claims that a specific sequence in Mastiii 4 is “substantially similar” to a skit he posted in early 2025 . His original reel, which features a humorous take on awkward social situations, went viral, amassing 11 million views and significant engagement.
Sharma alleges that not only is the core comedic premise identical, but even the dialogue delivery, timing, and visual framing in the film closely mimic his digital creation. He argues this constitutes copyright infringement under the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, which protects original literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works—including digital content .
“I spent days crafting that skit,” Sharma stated in a social media post. “To see it reproduced in a big-budget film without credit or permission is heartbreaking and exploitative.”
Who Is Ashish Sharma—and Why His Reel Matters
Ashish Sharma isn’t a newcomer. With over 2 million followers on Instagram, he’s built a career on relatable, sharp-witted comedy that resonates across demographics. His content often blends satire with everyday Indian experiences, making it both shareable and culturally specific.
The disputed reel in question wasn’t just popular—it sparked a wave of memes and user-generated imitations, cementing its place in India’s digital pop culture. Its success demonstrates the creative and commercial value of short-form video content, a space where individual creators now rival traditional studios in reach and influence.
Delhi High Court’s Response and Legal Implications
In response to Sharma’s petition, the Delhi High Court has issued a formal notice to the producers of Mastiii 4, including Balaji Motion Pictures and other involved parties, demanding a response within weeks . This procedural step doesn’t imply guilt but signifies the court recognizes the case has enough merit to proceed.
Legally, Sharma’s team must prove two things: (1) that his reel is an original work protected by copyright, and (2) that the filmmakers had access to it and copied its “substantial and essential” elements—not just the general idea . Ideas themselves aren’t copyrightable, but their unique expression is.
If the court finds in Sharma’s favor, it could lead to financial compensation, a public apology, or even an injunction restricting the film’s distribution—a rare but possible outcome in Indian cinema.
A Growing Trend: Bollywood’s History with Digital Content
This isn’t the first time Bollywood has been accused of lifting content from social media. In recent years, several YouTubers and Instagram creators have called out films and TV shows for using their concepts without credit:
- In 2023, a stand-up comedian flagged a nearly identical routine used in a streaming series.
- In 2022, a viral TikTok dance challenge was replicated in a Bollywood song sequence.
- Multiple sketches from digital comedy groups have surfaced in mainstream ad campaigns.
However, few creators have the resources or legal know-how to pursue formal action—making Sharma’s move a potentially watershed moment for India’s creator economy .
Why This Case Could Set a Precedent
The outcome of this lawsuit could redefine how India’s entertainment industry treats digital creators. Historically, big studios operated under an unspoken hierarchy: film and TV were “real” content; social media was just “noise.”
But with platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Moj now driving national trends, that mindset is outdated. A favorable ruling for Sharma would send a clear message: digital creativity deserves the same legal protection as any screenplay or film. As noted by the Indian Copyright Office, “originality and fixation in a tangible medium” are the key criteria for protection—regardless of the platform .
What Happens Next for Mastiii 4?
The producers now have a critical window to respond to the court. Their defense may argue that the scene is a common comedic trope or independently created. Alternatively, they might seek an out-of-court settlement to avoid prolonged litigation and bad publicity.
Meanwhile, fans and critics alike are watching closely. The Mastiii franchise—known for its bold themes—now faces its biggest real-world controversy yet.
How Creators Can Protect Their Work
For digital creators, this case is a wake-up call. Here’s how to safeguard your content:
- Watermark your videos with your username or logo.
- Register your work with the Indian Copyright Office (online process available).
- Archive evidence of creation dates and publication timelines.
- Use platform reporting tools to flag unauthorized use early.
- Read our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:protecting-digital-content-in-india] for step-by-step advice.
Sources
[1] Times of India. “Mastiii 4 faces legal scrutiny as content creator flags similarities with viral reel; Delhi HC issues notice to producers.” January 2026.
[3] Indian Copyright Act, 1957. Section 13.
[4] Supreme Court of India, R.G. Anand v. Delux Films (1978).
[5] Indian Copyright Office. “What is protected?” https://copyright.gov.in/
[6] Economic Times. “Digital Creators vs. Bollywood: The New Copyright Frontier.”