• Published: Jan 08 2026 11:28 AM
  • Last Updated: Jan 08 2026 11:59 AM

Riteish Deshmukh's Mastiii 4 faces Delhi High Court lawsuit from RJ Ashish Sharma over copied Instagram reel. Plagiarism claims delay OTT release on Jan 16. Get full details on content dispute.



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A fun comedy movie called Mastiii 4 is now in big trouble. A popular online video maker named Ashish Sharma says the film copied his funny clip without asking him. The court has stepped in just as the movie gets ready to stream online.

Mastiii 4 Plagiarism Allegations Explained

Picture this: you make a super funny video that millions watch, and then a big movie uses the same jokes without saying thanks. That's what Ashish Sharma claims happened with Mastiii 4. His Instagram reel from January 2024, called "Shaq Karne Ka Nateeja," has over 11 million views. He told the Delhi High Court that the film's key funny part copies the idea, story flow, character chats, events, and even the punchline.​

Sharma works as an RJ and content creator with fans on Instagram and YouTube. He says he's the only owner of that clip and feels his ideas got stolen on purpose. This fight shows how online creators now battle big film teams for fair credit.​

Mastiii 4

Who Are the Stars in Mastiii 4 Content Dispute?

Riteish Deshmukh leads the pack in this laugh-filled flick, teaming up again with buddies Aftab Shivdasani and Vivek Oberoi. The movie hit theaters last November and mixed silly adventures with star power. Other faces include Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri, Elnaaz Norouzi, Ruhi Singh, Shreya Sharma, and Shaad Randhawa.​

Riteish often picks comedy roles that families love, like in earlier Mastiii parts. But this time, a single scene has sparked a storm. Fans wonder if the whole film copies more or just that bit.

What the Creators Have Said

Ashish Sharma has publicly emphasized that he is the sole creator and owner of the disputed skit and that Mastiii 4’s scene went beyond inspiration into unauthorised copying. 
Producers have not yet issued a public statement — but are expected to file their response at the next hearing.

Mastiii Original Cast (2004)

These actors launched the hilarious husband-trio adventure.

  • Riteish Deshmukh as Amar Saxena​
  • Vivek Oberoi as Meet Mehta 
  • Aftab Shivdasani as Prem Chawla​
  • Amrita Rao as Reema Saxena 
  • Genelia D'Souza as Anchal Mehta â€‹
  • Tara Sharma as Bindiya Chawla 

Returning Stars in Mastiii 4 (2025)

Beloved originals reunite for more chaotic fun.

  • Riteish Deshmukh as Amar Saxena â€‹
  • Vivek Oberoi as Meet Mehta â€‹
  • Aftab Shivdasani as Prem Chawla​
  • Genelia Deshmukh (D'Souza) as Herself (special song)​

New Actors Across Sequels

Fresh faces joined in Grand Masti, Masti 3, and now Mastiii 4.

  • Grand Masti (2013): Karishma Tanna, Sonalee Kulkarni, Manjari Fadnis​
  • Masti 3: Mishti, Pooja Bose, Shraddha Das​
  • Mastiii 4 Key Additions:
  • Elnaaz Norouzi as Bindiya Saxena​
  • Shreya Sharma as Aanchal Mehta
  • Ruhi Singh​

Mastiii 4 Full Supporting Cast

Big ensemble amps up the comedy madness.

  • Arshad Warsi as Kamraj​
  • Nargis Fakhri as Menka​
  • Tusshar Kapoor as Pablo Putinwa​
  • Nishant Singh Malkani as Sid Walia​
  • Shaad Randhawa as Virat 
  • Natalia Janoszek as Rosie​
  • Tara Sumner as Rosemary​
  • Saanand Verma (cameo)​
  • Sammy Jonas Heaney as Ganda Firangi â€‹
  • Atul Sharma as Pundit​
  • Mujeeb as Gardener​
  • Others: Caroline Koziol, Andre D'Cruz, Jai Bhatt

Mastiii 4

Delhi High Court Steps Into Mastiii 4 Lawsuit

On January 6, 2026, Justice Tushar Rao Gedela heard Sharma's urgent plea. The judge sent a notice to the producers, saying they must reply soon because the movie heads to OTT on January 16. No quick stop order yet, but the next hearing is January13.

Sharma wants the court to block the film from using his work forever. He also asks for money damages and a full list of earnings from that part. Courts take these claims seriously to protect new ideas in a world full of viral hits.

Why Mastiii 4 OTT Release Faces Delay Risk

The movie did okay in cinemas but shines brighter on streaming sites where families binge-watch. Planned for a major OTT platform, this fight could push back the date or force cuts. Producers haven't spoken yet, keeping everyone guessing.

Such disputes often lead to quick deals or scene changes. If proven, it might hurt the film's buzz right when holiday viewers hunt for light fun. Sharma's bold move highlights rising power of digital stars​

Ashish Sharma's Viral Reel That Started It All

Back in early 2024, Sharma dropped "Shaq Karne Ka Nateeja." It blew up fast with simple, relatable humor that anyone gets. The clip shows everyday mishaps turning into laughs, much like the disputed movie moment.​

Sharma built his name through short, punchy videos that mix radio charm with online flair. This case could set rules for how films borrow from social media without paying up.

Impact of Content Creator Lawsuits on Bollywood

Bollywood loves quick, trendy jokes, but creators like Sharma push back. Past fights, such as over songs or plots, ended in settlements. This one tests if reels count as protected stories.

Experts say courts now see viral content as real property. Wins for creators mean fair shares for ideas fueling hits. Losses? Films might skip social inspo altogether.

Mastiii 4 Movie Review Highlights Amid Controversy

Despite the buzz, Mastiii 4 scores for family laughs. Critics call it a mindless escape with Riteish's timing stealing scenes. Box office pulled decent crowds, but OTT promises wider reach.

That comedy bit? Fans spot the likeness but love it anyway. Some defend it as common tropes, while others back Sharma's rights claim.

Producers reply by January 13. Court might watch both clips side-by-side or call experts. Possible outcomes: edit the scene, pay Sharma, or dismiss if differences show.​

Fans stay hooked, mixing movie excitement with drama. This saga proves entertainment never stays simple.

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FAQ

RJ Ashish Sharma claims a key comedy scene in the film copies his viral Instagram reel "Shaq Karne Ka Nateeja" from January 2024, which has over 11 million views. He says the plot flow, dialogues, and punchline match too closely.

He approached the Delhi High Court on January 6, 2026, just days before the planned OTT release on January 16. Justice Tushar Rao Gedela issued notices to producers for a quick reply.

Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, and Aftab Shivdasani lead as the original trio, with new additions like Elnaaz Norouzi and Arshad Warsi. The franchise started in 2004 with the same core group.

No ban yet—the court set the next hearing for January 13. Producers must respond soon, but the release hangs in balance as Sharma seeks an injunction.​

A permanent block on using his reel content, plus damages and profits from that scene. He argues it's original work owned solely by him as a content creator.

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