Dear All,
Thanks a lot for your immense support. I am humbled how you all have stood behind me, despite the so called powerful people on the other side. Yesterday, you saw their behavior. You can make your own conclusions. I would like people who have not read the book to not comment on the issue, and I have been requesting that from the start.
And while I feel no reason to respond to baseless statements, I would like to point out two things about me allegedly looking for publicity. One, I did contact them first through sms, even after the premiere. They did not respond. I sent two mails, along with a fan mail attached, on Dec 29, two full days before I did my blog entry (and I did the blog only after they started accusing me). My first mail was to the director, and he never responded. The second mail was to the director as well as cced to VVC’s brother, who also works in the production house and was supposed to ‘handle my case’. The director never responded. VVC’s brother did, and the reply was so vague, I have to paste it here to you to make your own conclusions. Secondly on publicity, I have written four books and over fifty columns. Authors can easily add a few controversial lines to their books and cause a stir to increase sales. You’d agree I’ve never had an issue like this with any of my books, or even a line of any of my columns, where I take extra effort to stick to the facts. In fact, people accusing me of that should introspect on if they haven’t read the book and are supporting the makers, how does it make them any different from a brand ambassador who is asked to peddle junk food.
I also want to address the so called contract and spell out the issue, which they are either unable to articulate or are hiding. Yes, there is a contract, which you ethically abused. But how can you give ANOTHER credit for story, not including me, without my consent, right upfront and hide mine totally? Isn’t that negating my already buried credit? Who will people see. Who will go and collect the story (not screenplay, which is separate) awards? The screenplay is not an issue here. The people who have done that have adapted my story – not written a new one. Maybe they can be co-credited for story, but how can they exclude me? Add to that them constantly calling their story original, discrediting me in the media for over an year – does that not show an actual pattern of shutting me out? That is the issue.
People have known the issue. They have been busted. They quivered, shook, cursed and fell yesterday. Making mistakes is human. Not accepting it is a sense of entitlement that only comes from an unchecked ego. However, people have given their verdict.
The mails are attached below. The fanmail comes first (copied and pasted from gmail).
God Bless,
Me
FIRST MAIL:
hide details 12/28/09 (4 days ago) |
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Hello Chetan Sir,
Today I saw 3 Idiot’s. Somewhere I read that it is only 10% of “five point someone” but I think it was 80% of that. It was amazing experience and I would like to give you all credit for that great entertainment along with Amir khan.
Thanks ,
Sachin
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hide details 12/29/09 (4 days ago) |
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i have 100+ mails like this.
cheers!
chetan
—- THE ABOVE NEVER WAS RESPONDED TO —
SECOND MAIL:|
hide details 12/26/09 (6 days ago) |
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Dear Mr Chetan
Yesterday I saw a recent movie of Amirkhan, 3 idiots.
It is almost same as your 1st book 5.1 . Is it true.
But I have not seen your name or noticed .
Can you confirm this. ?
K G Sreeganeshan
hide details 12/29/09 (4 days ago) |
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my mailbox is filled..i have no idea who these people are.
god bless.
chetan|
show details |
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12/29/09 (3 days ago) |
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Noted. Thank you, Chetan.
Fans will be fans and all our mailboxes at this time are full of nothing but superlatives. Let us not only celebrate all aspects of creativity that went into the film but also learn from both our positives and negatives.
It was indeed good to meet you.
Best regards,
Vir K Chopra
(Ph.D. London School of Economics & Political Science)
Director
Vinod Chopra Films Pvt. Ltd.
—– AND THAT’S IT. ATTEMPTS TO REACH ON PHONE FAILED TOO. —–
Hi Chetan,
I can understand your pain and emotions you are going thru now.. Hope you come out successfully from this episode..
Hey Vinayak,
As per the agreement it is clearly mentioned that credit should be given clearly like Based on Novel FPS Written by Chetan which is not in the initial title track nor his name mentioned in the story section.. that really hurts when some one tries to misguide public by money power and publicity that the movie is original one and only 5% is based on book…
God Bless you Chetan..
Hare Rama Hare Kirshna
hi chetan ,
i read the ‘five point someone’ and also saw the movie ‘3 idiots’ according to me all credits goes to only one person and this person is CHETAN BHAGAT !!!!! i cant understand why people comment without the read the book…..
Hi Chetan,
Im a big fan of urs as well as aamir khan. However i dont have any clue why Aamir is commenting on this issue as one is not eligible to comment on this issue, if they had not read the book and seen the movie. Im pretty much on the same lines. I saw the movie. I liked it a lot. I felt 70-80 % of the movie is from the book and my wife who was sitting next to me in the theatre couldnt disagree. Having said that no one can take the credits away from the 3idiots crew and more importantly u. You both have given a wonderful feast for the people. Thank u.
Hello chetan,
The only thing which is beyond my understanding is – Why Aamir Khan, being such a sensible and responsible person is saying all those things without reading the book?
He should at least read the book before commenting anything regarding similarity of book and film.
Hi Chetan,
I am not a big fan of your writing, but your books are very entertaining. This however is a different case. Every writer needs to get his/her due credit. I had earlier written about coming out in open and fighting for it. I am very happy to see that you have exactly done that.
You should just tell people to read the book and watch the film. If they still think that the story credit shouldn’t be SHARED with you then we will know their credibility. I have posted a similar comment on Aamir’s blog and I also urge all those who have commented here to let Aamir know your feelings on his blog http://www.aamirkhan.com/
Sir, you are one of the greatest writers of our times.You and your fans have touched upon all the issues regarding this controversy(i.e,similar scenes etc)
However I would like to point out a few things which you wouldnt out of modesty.
1.Chetan Bhagat is seeking publicity out of this:
Yes,the author who made Indians read, The author who has 4 best sellers to his credit is seeking publicity,right?Contrast this with Rajkumar hirani,the man who has 3 hits to his credit,well if u compare 4 books n 3 hits,in engineering terms,4>3(you dont need to be an engineer t0o figure that out)so in this case isnt it the other person seeking publicity?
As far as VVC is concerned,the less said the better,he seems to be a publicity starved guy with a flop like eklavya to his credit,now he turns to this?
2.Sir,you said they are the powerful people:I wonder,They need a Chetan Bhagat to make their film,and now react in the most ill-mannered way,doesnt that make you the powerful party?
I have seen the movie,and read the book so many times.If this is what they claim to be their own story,god bless them with some sense and conscience cause,poor people think writing 20-30% of a script makes it their story?Is this the amount of creativity they have?
Well sir,to end this,We would like to tell you,please dont give up,go to the court and please dont let your fans down.we want you to be honoured with every credit you deserve.
3 Idiots should have a sequel…
4 Idiots.
Idiot #1: Rajkumar Hirani. For taking 3 years 2 months (or so he claims)to write a script “loosely based” on a book! He could just have NOT changed a few scenes, gave full credits to FPS and saved 3 years and 2 months of his life!!
Idiot #2: Abhijat Joshi. He s more a puppet than an idiot. But nevertheless…
Idiot #3: Aamir. For calling himself ‘perfectionist’ yet NOT reading (again, so he claims) Five Point Someone which he knew was the base for the movie
Idiot #4: Bhavna Somaya. For disgracing journalism
yesterday everbody saw hws vvc reacted.did not expected this frm aamir.he is saying that story is written by mr.joshi and mr.hirani.sryaamir it is not the story but the screenplay which is written by them.the story belong 2 chetan and of people who has read this book and loved it.and mr.chopra if u dnt wanted to give credit to chetan y did u make film frm 5 point some1.
Hi chetan, I just cant believe the three idiots (amir,vidhu & hirani) claim that their movie is loosely based on ur novel. Man, I could literally replay ur book when i watched the movie and i could tell what was to follow after each scene at least in the first half. Seems these guys think all are idiots like them. Dont worry buddy, we are there for u, no matter whether u get credit or not from these three idiots. just waiting for ur next book. 2 states was simply 2 good. Jeegs, Gangtok
Support or no support from the readers, writer is a separate entity who can not hold back what he thinks unlike others who think and do not feel like writing.The so called publicity which the movie makers think you get out of this controversy is an ostrich attitude of that clan.I am not a cine-goer neither am going to see the 3 idiots , but I strongly support you as a reader.In south ,there is a habit that unless the Directors are confident about the people who listen the story , they dont even open the mouth……… so much of stealing of the story line, then you talk about this industry which is revolving around money making and no morals and no scruples.So I am surprised about he behaviour of the movie people
Hi Chetan,
~Yawn~…You did grant the right to VVC to use 5pt someone, and as per the agreement u did recieve the payment rt?.. then why complain about it now?, why not b4 the movie was made?… was it cuz while the movie was being made u thot u wud get extra sales and u undervalued the contract???
If you were so confident of the success why dint u go ahead and produce it on ur own?, dont tell me funding would have been an issue, atleast we from iim’s would know that there are many people willing to spend on good projects rt?
Now when u hedged ur risk and gave vvc the rt to use the book, and he has followed everything as per the contract why u creating such hungama now?…. honestly sir, u dont need this kinda cheap publicity…
All the best for ur future books, and hope u write everything u want in the contract atleast for ur next ventures…
Regards,
Shoaib…. an erstwhile fan
I always thought high of Aamir Khan, now he goes all out against you, I think he should read the book before he has a right to comment. Anyway, we all know whose story it is and support you, moreover, I think you should let it go…you don’t have to prove it to anyone..we all love you.
@chandan The producers have not failed to acknowledge the author and according to the agreement signed between both of them he was mentioned in the rolling credits of the film. The problem with Indian audience is that we do not wait till the screen goes totally blank but start moving out of the theatre as soon as the last scene of the movie is over. Thereby I think that people feel that he has not been credited.
Dear Chetan,
I’ve not seen the movie yet…..But my friends who have seen the movie said that itz 90% FPS. I’ve not read FPS…Now itz time for me to get a copy n read….n I have decided not to watch 3 idiots!!!
2 states is a wonderful work!!! Plz be careful if someone approaches u for making a movie out of it….
what you have to say about chetan saying lie that he has not read the script but in this interview he himself says that 2/3 times script was told to him. So chetan dont fool your blind fans that you are not a publicity seeker by telling lies and saying high funda of gandhiji. check out this interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yExr9sLVsdU. this shows that chetan grow up and get a life. you liar
1.You are obviously disappointed/dejected inside but being yourself a sensible person,you are using a very decent way of agitation.I like it.
But overdose of that will lead to not believing whatever you say which will highly affect your readership.
You made your point,make it again when required not as a daily update everyday.And give it some time,3I is high on success,you can’t blame them for being reactive.
//If there is one biggest fan of yours,it’s me.I read your books as many times as you’ve done for preparing a final draft of them before releasing!
or your daughter,if you have one 
and quoting a quote from your book
When in doubt,the pretty girl is always right!!So do ask your wife
Dear Chetan,
I have read all of your books and liked very much of your latest one “2 states”. I am your fan before the film released, when I was watching movie, I couldn’t stop me to compare this with your 5.1 Aamir is doing wrong. I am going to publish this controversy to my blog. I’ll tell them, you have no point to publicity for your books, we know what to read and what to see. I am with you. Well Done! All The Best!
Attaboy ! Chetan, You the creator of 3 Idiots, you the God of it Agree on your stand go ahead and bulldoze
I actually read your book only after seeing the movie. There is a reason why, I did that, because sometimes a movies is not able to do justice to the book, and you end up hating the movie, example HELLO!!
I loved the movie, and decided to pick up your book.
And yes, the movie and the book are more than 80% same, no doubt about it. A few characters and parts have been shuffled over here and there, but no doubt the movies basic skeleton is your book. It is totally inspired by your book.
I dont understand what were your publishers doing, when it was announced that a movies is being based on your book. Dont they have rights over the basic story line. Or is this one of the ways of Bollywood to stir up a controversy to do publicity for a movie, which is really not needed, seeing that its a very good movie.
All said and done, it is true, the makers should acknowledge you and the book as the inspiration behind the movie.
Dear Chetan,
My condolences on the molestation of your rights by a hysterical and autocratic cheapster. I have a something little different to say. Mostly people who comment are those who have either read your book and also seen a movie, or, those who saw the movie but didn’t read the book . I have read the book (which I liked very much)but haven’t seen the movie. So when I thought I should check it out, I read the review on http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/3-Idiots/moviereview/5373913.cms
and I paste it here for all to read:-
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Story: Rancho, Raju and Farhan enter the elite engineering college, only to learn lessons of life that cannot be taught through books and classrooms. Principal Viru Sahastrabuddhe is no help at all.
Movie Review: Rest assured, all ye desi cinema buffs, Aal Izz Well in apna Bollywood. If 2009 can begin with Dev D and end with 3 Idiots, it is indeed time to sound the seetis and taalis for one of the most exciting years of contemporary Indian cinema. Truly, this has been the year of the I.d.i.o.t in movielore: the Intrinsically intelligent, Downright smart, Inimitable, Original and Talented film maker, actor, story teller, musician, lyricist, dialogue writer and producer.
3 Idiots is the perfect end to an exciting year for India: the year when the aam aadmi voted in progress, liberalism, secularism and turned his back to corruption, communalism, regionalism. The three idiots, Rancchoddas Shyamaldas Chanchad (Aamir Khan), Raju Rastogi (Sharman Joshi) and Farhan Qureshi (R Madhavan), are perfect archetypes of the new age Indian who is essentially a non-conformist, questioning outmoded givens, choosing to live life on his own terms and chartering new roads that consciously skirt the rat race. Of course, they begin on the beaten track — due to societal/parental pressure — but refuse to become cogs in the wheel. Naturally, they end up as the Frostian hero (Robert Frost’s Road Not Taken) who made all the difference to his life, and the world, by taking the road less travelled by.
The film begins with the entry of our threesome in the city’s elite engineering college. It takes the first tryst with the mandatory ragging sessions which enunciate who the leader of the gang is going to be: new entrant Baba Rancchoddas, as his friends fondly call him. Rancho not only leads his friends through the maze of India’s competitive, high-pressure, rote-heavy, illogical and almost cruel education system, he tutors them on several life mantras too. Like, running after excellence, not success; questioning not blindly accepting givens; inventing and experimenting in lieu of copying and cramming; and essentially following your heart’s calling if you truly want to make a difference.
So, you have the threesome embroiled, time and again, in a confrontation with authority, as represented through the domineering figure of Viru Sahastrabuddhe (Boman Irani), the unsmiling Principal who venerates the cuckoo because the bird’s life begins with murder. Kill the competition, because there is only one place at the top, believes the Princi. Poor, mistaken Princi! Doesn’t he know that competition is effete, model students like Chatur (Omi) end up as duhs in real life and non-conformists (Rancho and Rocket Singh Inc), who care tuppence about being on top, could end up as eventual winners. More importantly, they could be high not only in IQ (intelligence quotient) but in EQ (emotional quotient) too, never losing their humaneness and social networking skills.
The high point of the film is the fact that director Rajkumar Hirani says so much, and more, without losing his sense of humour and the sheer lightness of being. The film is a laugh riot, despite being high on fundas. Certain sequences almost have you rolling in the aisle, like the ragging sequence, Omi’s chamatkar/balatkar speech, the threesome’s wedding crasher sequence, their mournful meal with Raju’s mournful mum and Rancho’s sundry demos to prove how Kareena has chosen the wrong guy for herself. Add to this, the strong emotional core of the film that makes gentle tugs, now and then, at your guts, and you have an almost perfect score. Hirani carries forward his simplistic `humanism alone works’ philosophy of the Lage Raho Munnabhai series in 3 Idiots too, making it a warm and vivacious signature tune to 2009. The second half of the film does falter in parts, specially the child birth sequence, but it doesn’t take long for the film to jump back on track.
Amongst the performances, Aamir Khan is stupendous as the rule-breaker Rancho. But the rest of the cast doesn’t remain in the shadows. Both Sharman and Madhavan manage to carve their independent characters as lovable rebels too. Even Kareena shines out, despite the minuscule length of her role. A special mention for Boman Irani who is impeccable as `Virus’, the vile Principal and newcomer Omi who perfectly slips into the stereotype of the best, albeit bakwas student. Shantanu Moitra’s music score, which may have sounded pheeka in the audio version, comes alive on screen with lyricist Swanand Kirkire giving India its clarion call for 2010: Aal Izz Well. Rush for it.
A word about:
Performances: Believe it or not, but Aamir, Madhavan and Sharman actually look — and behave — like students. While Aamir pitches in a near-perfect portrayal of Rancho, the free-spirited innovator, Madhavan and Sharman are perfectly in sync too. Kareena as the independent-minded medical student is winsome; debutant Omi has a refreshing flair for comedy and Boman Irani doesn’t ham or go over the top even once.
Story: Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi script a warm and humanist indictment of India’s rude-crude education system that prepares rats for a rat race rather than thinkers for a new world.
Dialogue: Witty and wild, the film walks away with the best comic scene of the year citation with its uproarious `balatkar’ speech.
Music: Shantanu Moitra may not have forced you to pick up the music album of the film but the songs do come alive on screen, specially Zoobie-Doobie and Aal Izz Well.
Choreography: Avit Diaz has the threesome — Aamir, Madhavan, Sharman — kick up some wild fun in Aal Izz Well, while Bosco-Caesar rightly go retro with Zoobie-Doobie.
Cinematography: The streets of Delhi and the picture postcard beauty of Ladakh are captured in riveting images by Muraleedharan CK
Styling: Designers Manish Mehrotra, Sheena Parekh and Raghuveer Shetty create the pucca campus look for our rumbustious kids on the block, complete with ganjis and capris. Kareena too is an archetypal Dilli gal with her trendy, not flashy ensemble.
Inspiration: Chetan Bhagat’s Five Point Someone literally comes alive on screen, although the film does not kowtow the book verbatim.
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Ok back to the point. I think this could well be a review for Five Point Someone if you just replace the character names from the novel. So there goes the hoopla about an ‘original’ story/screenplay out the window.
Second, the producer is contractually obliged to give you credit for the story. Even if you keep aside the upfront credits issue as an ethical misdemeanour by the producer within the dubious margins of legal confines, when the producer publicly says that the movie is not based or only ‘loosely’ based on your book, he is violating the contract with intent to breach by discrediting your book in advance. And then we have the irresponsible comments by an actor, although famous he may be but irresponsible nonetheless, the comments amount to slander in my opinion. Now I am not a lawyer but I clearly see that you have a recourse to silence these people once and for all, a legal ’shut up’?
You may not wish the controversy to continue but do consult a lawyer (I’m sure you have).
Then again, I fail to understand why they had to enter into a contract and pay you 11 Lakh Rs if their story was original. I must be crazy to pay someone that kind of money which I don’t intend to borrow/adopt from. It’s plain stupid to invite charges of discredit/plagiarism after you’ve paid for the rights, ain’t it? And all because they want to tote the story as their own?
Well, that’s about what I have to say. Lastly, dear Chetan, never sign a contract without reading and having it read by your lawyer. The Movie Mughals seem to have a nasty habit of turning ‘Mughalomaniac’(!). Keep up the poise you displayed on TV, all is well, eh? The movie may gain notoriety or not, your book sells are bound to rise. Cheerios then. All is indeed well.