Producer has no rights to film, says MTV

Sandasen Marasinghe

COLOMBO: MTV Channel (Private) Limited stated that film producer Chithra Balasuriya had no basic economic rights on the film 'Parasathumal' before the Colombo Commercial High Court Judge Rohini Walgama.

MTV Channel submitted its objection through the Sudath Perera Associates in connection with a case filed by film producer Chithra Balasuriya.

Balasuriya in his petition stated that his rights of Intellectual Property were violated by MTV Channel Ltd by telecasting the 'Parasathumal' on September 30, despite his disapproval. He claimed Rs 5 million as damages.

MTV stated in the objection that although Balasuriya had the basic economic right earlier, Thissa Nagodavithana later obtained the television telecasting right for the 'Parasathumal' film. Nagodavithana obtained the right from a person named Warnakulasuriya Walter Fernando.

MTV stated there was another pending case before the Colombo Commercial High Court against Thissa Nagodavithana filed by the same petitioner challenging Nogodavithana's right to the 'Parasathumal' film.

MTV pleaded to postpone the case against them until the judgement of the other case is delivered or dismiss the case against them.

MTV also said that it was not the only channel that telecasted the film.

The case was put off for May 10.