Varun Dhawan and Banita Sandhu starrer October directed by Shoojit Sircar has now found itself in murky waters. A filmmaker and editor by the name of Hemal Trivedi has alleged on social media that Varun’s film is “stolen” from a Marathi film called Aarti – The Unknown Love Story.  Varun’s movie October released last week and since then has been reaping accolades from the fraternity and has been doing good business at the box office as well.

However, bursting the happiness bubbles for the team, Trivedi took to Facebook and wrote, “Sircar has not just picked up the plot and the storyline, but has also blatantly copied the look and the moments from the original film”. He also wrote that the film’s director Sarika Mene is now suffering from depression and has become suicidal.

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Apparently, Aarti – The Unknown Love Story is based on the true story of Sunny Pawar (Sarika’s brother) and Aarti Makwana, who faced a tragedy when an accident left Aarti immobile and with memory loss. For four years Sunny took care of Aarti until she passed away in 2010 due to pneumonia. October has a similar storyline and revolves around Dan (Varun), a management trainee at a hotel who grows up overnight when his batchmate Shiuli (Banita) is faced with a tragedy.

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“When the trailer was out, I did get a gut feeling that it would be same, I was wondering such a big name would not do this to me so I thought it will be (just a) little glance of my film. When the film released and I saw it, it was 90% same. He (Shoojit) is such a respected person… I have seen his films like ‘Piku’, ‘Vicky Donor’ I was like he has a (story) sense, I am shocked he did this,” Sarika told PTI.

Apparently, Sarika first filed a complaint with the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Chitrapat Maha Mandal, that represents Marathi filmmakers, and later approached the Indian Motion Pictures Producers’ Association (IMPPA) and Screen Writers Association. “The complaint was filed a week back and so far we have not got any response. I have my evidence, I would want him to show his evidence. I feel there is something wrong as why he is taking so much time to reply as it (‘October’) is your baby, you need to respond immediately,” she said.

As per the media agency, Shoojit stated, “We have received a letter. And we will surely respond to the letter officially… We will let you know our official statement.”

Moreover, a criminal complaint has been filed against Shoojit and October writer Juhi Chaturvedi at the Vile Parle police station.

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“I was pleading with them to see my film first and then watch ‘October’ and they finally want to see it now. I want justice on the basis of merit. I don’t know how much time it will take to sort this thing out,” she added. I appreciate their work. But their claim about the storyline or plotline being imaginary and a work of fiction, is wrong, it is a theft. You can’t steal anybody’s work. There was a way for doing this, you could have taken the rights and made this film,” Sarika said.