Novex acquires Shemaroo library; sets up system to track piracy

MUMBAI: Novex Communications has acquired sole cable TV distribution rights for the films and film programmes of Shemaroo library.

Novex plans to increase the rights from 1800 to 2000 movie titles of various languages from Shemaroo‘s library by the end of this month.

As of now, popular titles like Raja Hindustani, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Mr India, Mann, Masti, Hum Kisise Kum Nahi, Gangajal, Kuch Na Kaho, Murder, Jaan-e-Mann and Omkara are with Novex.

Apart from this, Novex has put in place systems wherein they can track any cable network in any city at any time to check the film, or film show, being telecast. This system enables them to constantly check copyright violation of their property.

Thus, to telecast films and film shows acquired by Novex on local cable channels, a cable operator or multi-system operator (MSO) needs to sign a contract with Novex.

“We have signed up licensing agreements with all the multi-system operators for screening of the movies from the Shemaroo library,” says Novex Communications promoter Ketan Kanakia.

Further elaborating on this, Kanakia adds: “We have already initiated action against the errant cable operators and carried out raids in various cities like Dhulia, Nandurbagh, Nagpur, Sholapur and Akola of Maharashtra. In fact, the Maharashtra government has already approved implementation of Detention Under Gunda Act to curb copyright violation. Now, we are going across the country to ensure that we get what is our due.”

Every month all the registered MSOs are sent posters of Hindi and local language film titles, a demo DVD and one letter educating them about the company, their rights and activities by Novex Communications.

“This is the first time ever that a copyright holder has dispatched posters declaring the film titles held by them. It is because of this that anybody actually and legally has the titles as well as ready software with them. The day a deal is signed, we deliver the software and permissions. Unlike some other very old companies claiming to hold the film rights, we have nothing ambiguous about our titles. And that is why we are able to print them on the posters and send across,” says Kanakia.