I just finished my last two interviews with IBN7 and Headlines Today. These were the last interviews I’d give on this issue. There is no point going back and forth with allegations and assertions, and it only creates drama and no solution. Hence, I’d stick to simple facts, and I’ve even offered a compromise, that they may want to consider.
1. When you are saying ‘based on a novel by’ in a movie, you cannot have a separate original Story credit in the film – not to mention the latter upfront and the former at the end. 3 Idiots has a big front Story credit for Mr Hirani and Mr Joshi. This is just not possible as they are themselves saying the story is based on a novel. The Screenplay, definitely so, belongs to Mr Hirani and Mr. Joshi.
2. While they did fulfill the ‘based on the novel by’ credit as per contract, by claiming the story as original and claiming it as theirs alone, they have definitely negated and denied my due credit. Especially since the film has many commonalties with the book. They’ve adapted my story, not created a new one. That they’d claim the original story to someone else was never told to me, is not mentioned in the contract and is frankly just not possible under the basic ‘moral rights of the author’ under copyright law.
3. To the extent they have done this, all I merely ask is put my name as one of the writers in the ‘Story’ credit. They can keep their names above me, and make me the third writer of the story. The screenplay is theirs anyway.
4. They don’t have to actually change the prints running in the theatres or incur any costs there. They can change it in the official records and in the DVD/Satellite as possible.
5. This is merely a humble request. The public opinion is already there that the story resembles the book. We don’t have to get into percentages, but if there is a contribution, it should be recognized.
If they do this, me and all FPS readers will be happy. If they don’t, it is their choice.
I don’t really want to talk about anything else in this matter. I thank you all for your support. I’ve gained a lot of credibility and love, all of us stood up for what we believed in, and I think my country knows who wrote this film’s story now anyway.
I am aware of the many opinions and statements the makers and Mr Khan have made about me and the kind of person I am, but I don’t have any issues with that. I also thank the media, for bringing the issue out clearly, and helping me present my side in a fair manner.
Love,
Me
Chetan,
It is very puzzling why all this happened. I dont understand why the producers would pull such a stunt when FPS was such a popular book.
On the other hand, how can you sign a contract without reading the final script?
sir i think that why don’t you show the contract signed by you with Hirani to public and media and this will lead public to a conclusion because if you don’t fight then i will just hurt us and fps lovers and that will lead to decrease the ability to fight against the false within you supports and fans.
Hi Chetan,
Hope they realise their mistake now..
And show some Grace.
Proud of you chetan..
Congrats Chetan !!! Wise decision. It is best to forgive, but not forget. I was quite surprised that you didn’t have any legal advice before signing the contract. Do that next time. I love you story telling skills. Also, your stories are very entertaining.
Cheers
Its good to see an end to the unpleasant interactions. Chetan this is a what a wise man would do and am glad/
Cheers and please spare your wonderful thoughts for your next book. We are eagerly waiting for.
Luv U.
Hey chetan http://twitpic.com/wd4ww your next book maybe
Cool.
Hope they will do the needful.
Mr.Chetan,
You Dont Deserve this completely. And we all know the truth & we stand by you. Authors like you are a treasure for our Country and please dont get dejected by these cheap stunts by film industry ppl. U do have enough fame and respect from all over the world.
Keep your great Writing Going.
Cheers,
Ramya.
Hi Chetan,
I think they should accept your request gracefully.But be careful next time.This is a mean world.
Dude! Sue them for the story credits thing.. set an example!
Even the judge would know whose story it is!
You’ve proved that you are an educated man by putting an end to this controversy in a neat mannaer.
The best way you can hit back at them is by writing a super book and showing them that all this will not affect your writing.
It would be a shame if you pass into oblivion after this controversy.
Goodluck. I know that you deserve a lot of credit for 3i. Your fans know that.
HTH
I totally agree with you. Fight as the allege was never for money, publicity or anything else. It was always on due credit. I cam across Vir Sanghavi link which is making sense out of all these drama. As per his word it is all about grace
http://www.virsanghvi.com/vir-world-ArticleDetail.aspx?ID=415
yeah we are in total support..a credit must be given in form of story writer..bcoz there is no such thing as “inspired from”..everything is an inspiration…
the movie is totally based on the novel..just few changes to add up to the bolly masala..thats it…
chetan,
What i would love you to do is please make sure you put it in your agreement clauses from now that, the script has to be handed to you well before the start of the film, the film has to be shown to you well before its release.
And for heaven sake, dunn put a cheap price of 10 lackhs for a fantastic story like FPS. I hate this cheap price in the whole episode(reference : vidhuvinod chopra’s site gives the scanned cipy of agreement).Its worth more. more than what you guess. more than what it deserved. Of cousre, tere marzee hain..
I wish you all the best for your future books. i ahev completed all the books in one day..
One final word chetan.. YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS WAR.we will do what ever you want us to do.
Thanks
Pavan Venkata
Hi Chethan
I truly agree with you! I never expected this from Aamir Khan!
Yes, the whole world knows who is the original atory writer of 3 Idiots!
Dont lose heart over such issues. You continue your contribution.
Copycats will be still Copycats.
You are very graceful Chetan!! Love you for it. I saw the movie yesterday and the plot is definitely FPS. I liked Aamir in the movie but don’t think he is within his rights to discredit you. But as I said, your graceful moral high ground has increased your respect for all FPS readers.
Keep Smiling and Keep telling us wonderful stories. The controversy should not impact your story telling is all we care for.
May God plant even better ideas in your story telling acumen.
God Bless you and wish you a fantastic New year and a terrific decade 2010.
dude, there is not much similarity btw ur book and the movie…if u go by the yardsticks of college campus events, then in cinema history everything is copied..
u just want to sell more of ur “Rapidex” learn english fast novels…
get a life
I think you should write book on this entire controversy and give them the “due credit for the story”… that will be the slap on their face as of how its done!!
just to say tht nobody is gonna remember a bollywood masala movie after two years or soo.. but the book you gave us is gonna be there !! Receive all the good lessons from teh recent experience and keep tht for the “next movie”
. Just wanted to say thanks for such a wonderful book ..!!
A SiX point someone
Arun Vishnu
Hatsoff to you chetan, a very gentle man gesture from your side. hope they will realize the mistake and give your due credit in DVD/Satellite rights..
all the best