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
Let them go to their **s licking sycophantic hell…
chill, forgive…but dont forget for the Farhan Akhtar movie they are making on your novel, “3 mistakes of my life” and for all the other novels in future…
May you earn enough money in future to start your own production house and take some indian movies to oscar…i seriously wish that…all the best..
Mr. Bhagat,
Every body knows that this whole story of 3 idiot is urs story
so y r u worried for ur name or credibility in d film…………..its nice that u stood up against it and so now whole India knows it and Rajkumar hirani seems like a willain ………..I saw ur interview on IBN7
Dear Chetan,
I think when you have sold the rights to use your book to make the movie , its now their product and they can modify it according to their wish (whether 5% or 99%) , its none of your concern as you have been paid the amount you desired (11 lakhs) so why this tamaasha . I know you are from IIT & IIM and this act of yours brings a bad image of you rather than a good one!
Now , the solution of you being third writer is not acceptable to R. Hirani & his team .You can’t just beg infront of them if they are not willing to give. It’s just lowering your own image. So I think the matter is finished and you can concentrate on writing your book rather than giving interviews and writing on blog.
Thanks
don’t worry Chetan They have to give u Credit Sooner Or Later !
Chethan,
Read your book a year ago and watched the movie last night( I wish I hadnt) and came home for the “shut up” press Conf.
Being a true AK fan all these years its saddens me to see him fall so hard. As of the rest of the movie team. Shame on them!
I think these big producers need to be taught a lesson on behalf of all those writers whose credit has been stolen all these years. Only you can lead the way for other writers as many have read your book and watched the movie. This is the right moment to get your share of credit.
Thanks!
sir
I am a gr8 fan urs.cant believe wat happened to u??By seeing the trailer of the movie itself we can get similarity from the book.How could those ppl say such things??the bollywood seems so mean.
Anyways, sir be carefull next time.As ur true fans we’ll be always be with u.
all the best
glad 2 see dat u’ve decided 2 move on… know how u wud be feeling right now…….not a good beginning of the year but hope n wish u enjoy the year to the full…..wud nywyz very very happy new year 2 u buddy……luv u n tc…..
Hey Chetan. You have handled yourself so brilliantly, its like Sachin’s behaviour amidst unnecessary controversy. CHeers to you man, take a break and leave everything else to God. He cant be fooled.
dear sir,
i dont completely agree with whatever you have said on this blog. i have seen 3 idiots and i have read your book also. frankly, the film is more entertaining than the book. it is because of the great acting and direction, cinematography, everything. your book is just the theme of the film,a very small part, but it is not “THE FILM”. THE FILM is made by actors, directors and 100s of people who have worked really hard for this film. you and aamir khan, or the producers of 3 idiots, all dont need such stunts to make themselves famous, you people have already reached a level, where you dont need such things. then why fight like children and get involved in such controversies. people who like 3 idiots and havent read your book will read the book, and people who have read ur book will want to see the movie. thats so simple!! pls stop all this. all your fans and all the fans of the movie surely know what is going on, no need for media hype. media wants an issue which they can chew for few days. at the end, chetan bhagat, VV chopra, Aamir khan, mr Hirani, all of these look idiots in front of all the fans…..
Personally. I dont think all this should’ve gone public. These things should’ve been sorted out before the movie was released.
But anyway, I think you are very much in favour of resolving the issue ASAP which is a good thing. =)
You did the right thing by raising the issue. Good work.
FPS and its derivatives are something that can never be taken away from you. Thank you once again for all the fun. AWESOMENESS.
Hi Chetan,
Was surprised when I had come to know about the issue. I do not understand why one cannot give other the credit they deserve. Can imagine how you must be feeling because have gone through similar in my life.
But what you have decided is wise and the right thing. Really hope the makers realize their mistake and show some respect to you and all writers.
Best of luck.
Piyush
dear cb,
i’ve read FPS …and yes i did find many many similarities btwn d buk n d film 3I…..
n neway i dun understnd y dese ppl hav gt prblm in jst mentioning ur name…seriouslyy pathetic on their part…huh…bt watevr….ur fans know wat d truth is ..( m 1 ov dem \m/ )…i jst luv ur writing style….n me n ur odr fans are WAITINGGGG 4 UR NXT BUK….v kno ur goin tru hell rite nw….bt we r all der wid u ..as well as GOD….LUV U LOADS….TAKE CARE…
thump’s up…!!!
It is so sad that in our country/bollywood, authors are treated like beggars, unless you are on the payroll of the company. Just throw, pittance of 10 lacs and and put the credit after the spot boy and tell that they have given due credit.
As per Amir, Chetan’s credit is less than his chaiwalla.. How can chaiwalla ask for more credit.. Shame on Aamir..
VVC did the same with Parineeta.. he claimed the story credit.. they have no sense of guilt..
Also, Amir stole credit from Amol gupte for Taare Zameen par..
Bollywood, literally treats our writers like shit.. It’s time things change.. It’s time people recognize true worth of original write..
And to come to think of it the FPS is about ideas and the original idea of the book is stolen and re-packaged and somebody makes money. Surely, our education system doesn’t teach us how to deal with thugs..
now u know what bollywood is like.be careful next time.
i agree that no solution can come out if these guys of 3 idiots r not ready 2 listen…but still u are a fabulous author and u dont need them..but definately ur book was their inspiration ,so the least they can do is comply with ur vert reasonable demands u asked now
Hi Chetan This is one of your biggest fan i want to say that whatever going with you after releasing of 3 Idiots is totally wrong & whatever aamir , raju, vidhu has told press conference is totally wrong the story is totally based on your novel FPS i read the book & then i watch the movie the story is 80% as it is as in FPS & also you dont need publicity you already in the heart of people by the time you releaase FPS. i am also reading your another book 2 STATES …so i just want to say that “agar FPS nahi hoti to yeh movie nahi banati” & raju has to accept it……dont give up CHETAN BHAGAT ..everyone is with you…
Go and read the article by Vir Sanghvi http://bit.ly/5aUHwM. a very well said. he compared two ssituation when Danny recognises vikram swaroop for his Q&A even when he made lot of changes & here in Bollywood when they are fighting over small credit