Dear All,
The 3 Idiots story credit issue has been making some noise now. The news is coming out in bits and pieces, and I think it is important I clarify a few things. Yes, clearly, the makers of the film have been unfair and thousands of my readers have been saying so. I am aware of this, and this is not an issue that has ‘just come up’. I’ve been grappling with it for two years, but kept silent about it.
The only reason it has surfaced after the movie’s release is because Five Point Someone has a few million readers, and when you copy a popular story claiming it as ‘original’ and ‘completely different’, people are going to find out. People did, and so did a lot of media journalists.
The case is as simple as the makers claiming the story as their own, and clearly it is not. Pre-release, the makers made press statements like the movie is only ‘very loosely’, ‘2%-5% inspired by the book’. After release, those who have read the book and seen the movie (and frankly, I think those are the only people who have the right to comment) find the film to be an adaptation of Five Point Someone. The setting, characters, plotline, dramatic twists and turns, one-liners, theme, message – almost all aspects that make up the story are from FPS. Yes, there are some changes, any adaptation requires that – but it is no way an original story. Leading movie critics have privately admitted to me that the film is 70% the book. Still, don’t take my word for it – go read the book, watch the film.
I, frankly, was shocked to see this. This is because I was also fed ‘this is an original movie’ line a lot. I wanted to see the final script – it was never shown to me. I wanted to see the film before release – it was not shown to me (even though trials had been done for people). What’s more, the makers had called me to their office and pressured me several times to withdraw my ‘Based on a novel by’ credit, which was by contract. They told me they’d replace it with something like ‘initiated by’ – a credit that doesn’t exist anywhere in the world. I still told them that if the film is indeed original, I’ll happily withdraw the credit, but somehow the promos don’t tell me so. I asked them to show me the film and they fell silent.
Soon, they started doing media promotions for the film, and kept me completely out of it (you’ll never find me in an interview with them). Crores was poured into publicity on shutting me out and cementing the fact that 3 Idiots is not based on Five Point Someone. However, the book had been read by millions of people and the FPS buzz just did not die down.
Ten days before the release, I was called into their office. They said ‘we should be friends now’. I said I am always up for friendship, and the success of the film is good for me as well. They also said, and I quote verbatim ‘even though this is an original film, we have given you a great credit, right upfront. After all, we love writers and a king should treat another king with respect. You are family’. I believed them.
I called my family before release, and told them all not to expect FPS. I even gave a few interviews where I said don’t expect FPS.
Then I went for the premiere. My family sat in the theatre shocked, as sequence after sequence came from the book. 2%-5% means 3-6 minutes, and I had told my family to look for the few FPS moments and note them. However, there were so many that it became impossible to keep track. The plot line was same – people meet at ragging, the first class with definition of machine, the friends separate, Alok (Raju) moves with Venkat (Chatur), Ryan (Rancho) helps Alok’s father, Alok rejoins group etc etc. From Alok (Raju) jumping to stealing the papers and calling out from Cherian (Virus’) office – the book came alive on screen. I was surprised and happy that FPS has made it in such a grand way.
However, my family had not spotted my credit in the beginning (there was none) and they were feeling let down. A screenplay associate credit to VVC had a prominent upfront placement. The story credit was not shared with me. And yes, all the office talk of a ‘king treated like king’ was a white lie.
I knew they had played with me, and that ‘based on a novel by’ credit, which they were legally bound to give would be hushed away at the end – with the clear intention of making sure people miss it. And indeed, it came after the junior artists and still photographer of the movie, and zoomed away fast. My own mother missed seeing my name, and for that she cried after seeing the film. I told her it doesn’t matter, as people know FPS. But yes, that hurt me a lot.
I went up to the makers after the premiere, and they said it is a hit so chill and forget about it. I guess I could, but it is hard. Only a writer or a creative person knows how this feels. I am one of the lucky ones that people have read FPS. Imagine the fate of other writers in Bollywood. Anyway, I came home and thanked God for making my story reach so many people.
Upon the film’s release – my mailbox and twitter account, literally became flooded. Fans and readers wrote stunned mails. They had seen the makers’ interviews which had denied FPS links and they missed seeing the credit on screen. I kept quiet, though I did send a message to the makers telling them audience reactions. They did not respond. Soon media journalists saw the film. They called me and said they have to do a story on this as they are on my side. I tried my best to avoid them. However, many have helped me in the past and I can’t avoid their call forever. One HT journalist from Delhi called, and asked me how I felt about the credit. I used one word – I said ‘strange’. And that’s when the news exploded.
This my friends, is the story. Meanwhile, the makers have accused me of seeking fame – when clearly it is the other way round. They’ve taken my story to make fame for themselves, and shut me out of it. I know my readers will spot it immediately. However, the film also reaches millions of other people who do not read books – and they deserve to know who wrote the story. And that is why I am talking about this issue (and I admit for people who’ve read the book, they may wonder it’s so obvious so why I am going on about it).
I hope my explanation helps. I do have a few additional points to make.
- This has nothing to do with Mr. Aamir Khan – while the makers are fronting him to talk about the issue (as he has the credibility), this is not about him at all. I am a big fan of Aamir and he has made my story reach people. However, he was told by the makers not to read the book, and he hasn’t. Thus, he cannot comment on the issue in a meaningful manner. The media should stop questioning him. When I met him, both of us were told that the movie is original and not the book. He was asked not to read the book – and I wasn’t shown the script. Go figure.
- I don’t need this kind of fame – It doesn’t do anything for me. Like I said, I am lucky to have channels to express my opinion. Other writers don’t. I can’t tell you how much it hurts when this happens. Imagine someone takes your child, dresses him up and tells the world it is theirs. I’ve felt the pain for two years on this issue but I kept silent on it. I can’t help it if millions have read the book and see the movie upon release and spot the issue themselves.
- I don’t want anything from them – They’ve taken the story credit. Let them keep it. All Bollywood award functions have an award for ‘story’, apart from other categories. They’ll collect it all year around and feel good about it. I didn’t write the story for awards. I wrote it as I felt I had something to say about the education system and the race for grades. I have my fans’ love and I am more than happy with it.
- The odds - They have an army of people to promote their side of the story, crores of media budgets and are sparing no efforts to bring me down. The only thing I have is my fans, and the truth. But then, the truth is Krishna, and the Pandavas had only that while there was an army on the other side. Remember who won that battle?
Some people have told me that I should keep silent. I did try to be silent but didn’t work. Also, people say this is how Bollywood works. Sorry, I disagree. Not all Bollywood works like this. There are a lot of good people too. And every event like this helps change things for the better. And that is what I am all about anyway.
I urge you to not believe me at face value. Read the book, see the movie – and like the movie says – think for yourself and decide.
I want to thank the media journalists who are supporting me. Yes, the makers on the other side have a lot of stature – but truth comes above stature – that’s the first rule of journalism. I salute you for having the courage to stick to that. Our country does have free press, and thank God for that.
Like I said, I don’t need anything. Even if I have no more movies made on my stories or nobody wants to read my books and columns, I’ll happily join ISKCON and dedicate my life to Krishna.
But I will not shy away from the truth – ever.
Blessings,
Me
I am just adding one more point on fame.I hope u heard the story abt ‘Rajneeti’ promos supposed to be shown with 3I but at last miniute it was rolled back…..reason..fame…….!!!!
Anyway welcome to bolloywood…….:-)
It also hurts us Chetan…i was planning to watch movie again,,bt instead i prefer to read FPS again.. we r always on ur side..
What is their side of story? Just curious.
What is it they are loosing by crediting you for story?
You’re famous and so are your books.. so people eventually know the truth about what sort of ‘gaming’ goes on in Bollywood.
But You said “Imagine the fate of other writers in Bollywood”.. atleast to make sure other upcoming creative talents don’t get killed like this, you have to shout out aloud somewhere..
They have 100 crores of media budgets.. you have the Truth and the Fans… bring it on.. and Silence The Lambs..
Belive me, even the people who have not read your book know that it is from a novel FPS.
When I went for the movie, before the movie started I could hear from every nook n corner that this movie is based on FPS.
So what if Movie makers need not give credit, the audience have always.
Just Relax !!! All is Well !!
i am a big fan of yours.i have read the book and i went for the movie see the how they transformed ‘five point some one’ to a movie. i am sure lot of other people also meant the same.
from the film makers point the script is not entirely the same. so i think they can win any legal battle,i barely have such knowledge. its not simple to ignore the fact that someone had just used your creativity and taken the credit. But you the full support of your fans and lets say write a new one we are really looking forward for it……..
Chetan – There is good and there is bad, you just encountered some bad people. You cannot imagine the positive consequences of this issue for you. They have nothing to gain from it. Your awards r ur readers. Ur awards are the fact that i see kids from rural villages reading 2 states sitting in a ST bus. They cannot take away from the fact that 3 idiots is FPS.
Aamir Khan, VVC and Hirani are losing a lot of credibility for this. What saddens me that this piece of injustice is happening from a team that created movies like “Lage Raho” and Munnabhai. Both cult movies. Both movies with the same message. WHY DON’T YOU SEND FLOWERS TO THE 3 IDIOTS TEAM WITH THE MSG “Get well soon..Mamu”
“Imagine someone takes your child, dresses him up and tells the world it is theirs. ”
This really infuriates me ! Nobody has a right to call someones work (or child) as their own.. No matter how big their stature is..No matter how many Crores they have..
You should seriously SUE them..
So that this does not happen with your other stories which are soon going to come on screen…
We all are with u
Chetan,
Please take care of yourself. Bollywood is full of copycats. The films which I used to think were original (like hum tum and Kaminey, after watching corresponding hollywood movies, I came to know they are full coppy of “Harry Met Sally” and “True Romance”. They copy the essence of movies and change here and there, put songs and then say they are original.
A fight is possible only between equals and they dont deserve your this much attention. You are original and God works through you. Hold on to God and you will come up wonderful works. Simply let you to be an instrument in God’s hand. Everything will be alright.
With Love and Best Wishes,
Kirti Keshav,
Bangalore
So i saw the movie last evening. In the closing credits there is a mention that it based/inspired (don’t remember the exact words) on Chetan Bhagat’s Five Point Someone. Dunno if they added it later or it was always there! but its there !
after i heard ur side of the story..my respect for u increased immensely..god bless u to fight thru ur tought times.. this is reality of life..big ppl always crush small ppl nomatter how intelligent they are.. thats why bollywood will continue to remain inferior to hollywood.. they just dont respect the original idea..thats why we have not oscars/fame god has punished bolly for that..but still 3i has become become a hit for ur sake..not for vidhu vinod chopra & co..
I can see how it must have hurt you.
To your point, “Only a writer or a creative person knows how this feels. I am one of the lucky ones that people have read FPS. Imagine the fate of other writers in Bollywood.”
If you want this not to happen for more people, you must come out hard Chetan. You have the onus, everybody knows that this is plain plagiarism. Let’s rise against this and teach those a good lesson. This issue must cause fear in anyone who even thinks about plagiarism.
We are behind you Chetan, behind whatever action you take against them.
Having read the book and seen the movie on 1st Day 1st Show, I can saw that the movie is a clear adaptation of the novel. As regards to the Filmmakers, I am shocked to see them stoop to this level. I would say you should have gone to court seeking an injunction on the film screening and asking them to pay you credit both in cash and kind.
Cheers
Hello Chetan
That’s true, 3-idiots is almost based on FPS. How can these dumb film-makers sideline creativity just for the sake of an award that is precisely not theirs.
After watching 3 idiots, I could see the entire FPS in front of my eyes. but the fact reamins,that we admire your work and always will.
In the end I can only say:
Give them sunshine
Give them some rain
Give them a little sense
They need to grow up once again.
it is indeed a shame if the attitude of the filmmakers was the way as u have written in this blog..
but the credits was given to u.. i saw the film yesterday and i saw it was written “Based on the novel Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat” immediately after the casting credits.. should have mentioned the credits in the beginning of the film..
The movie is indeed 80% same as your book..
I read the book much before I saw the movie so for me the movie is you, and the story is yours. I loved the movie and the movie making but IMHO, the movie is a just a very good adaptation of FPS and credit should have been given to you for original Idea and story. The story, the experiences, the characters all speak in the language and in the manner which you wrote. I do not know if you can take it to the court of law (or whether you’d even be inclined to) but Your readers, Chetan, are loyally with you.
You know what Chetan, this is the right opportunity for you to make some more money. Talk more about this on media and I am sure the film makers will respond as well.
People will start reading your book which means more sales and will start seeing the movie which again means more royalty. An intelligent guys finds opportunity where there is great depression and this is your moment.
Slap them and don’t just give your story to anybody and do it under legal terms.
Hi Chetan,
It is awful. I understand how you feel. I surely agree with you, they did not take the cover of the book but took away the content. But I’m sure that the creative aspect of your book has reached a lot of people who have not read the book. When they read it they will surely agree that it is your creativity and message that the movie carries.
We, fans of yours will always be on your side. We know what the truth is and I’m sure the world will agree to it.
rgds.
dear chetan,
we have read your book…n we have decided its a story based on FPS…the producers and who so ever cant do anything in this matter…let them do wat ever they want….but the truth is the truth…3 IDIOTS IS BASED ON FIVE POINT SOMEONE BY CHETAN BHAGAT….as far as v readers n fans are with u…jus dont worry…
jus cos they have added songs n have changed the story by 5%…they cant say its their original…the movie is the cut copy paste of FPS…
as far as the movie is concerned….thode dino mein sab bhool jayange…theater mein saalon keliyea toh nahi chalegi….jab tv mein aayaga…tab dekhenge…
n your book cant be forgotten…cos its preciously kept with us….when ever v want v can read it….
god bless,
success pours,
loadsa love,
Tejal