Cannes Necklace Controversy: Ruchi Gujjar Sues Film Makers, Akanksha Puri Over ₹23 Lakh Dispute

2025-07-23
Cannes Necklace Controversy: Ruchi Gujjar Sues Film Makers, Akanksha Puri Over ₹23 Lakh Dispute
Free Press Journal

Ruchi Gujjar Takes Legal Action Following Cannes Necklace Incident

In a surprising turn of events, actress and social media influencer Ruchi Gujjar, who recently gained widespread attention for sporting a necklace adorned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's image at the Cannes Film Festival, has initiated legal proceedings. Gujjar has filed a lawsuit seeking damages amounting to ₹23 lakh against the makers of an upcoming film, So Long Valley, as well as actress Akanksha Puri and several other individuals associated with the project.

The controversy began when Gujjar’s appearance at Cannes, featuring the distinctive Modi necklace, went viral on social media. While some lauded her for showcasing Indian pride, others criticized the move as a publicity stunt. The lawsuit, according to sources close to Gujjar, stems from allegations of breach of contract and intellectual property infringement.

Allegations and Claims

Gujjar claims that she was approached by the makers of 'So Long Valley' to create and wear the Modi necklace as part of a promotional campaign for the film. She alleges a verbal agreement was reached where she would be compensated a certain amount for her services, including the necklace's creation and public appearance at Cannes. However, she claims the promised payment was not fulfilled, leading to the financial dispute.

Furthermore, Gujjar alleges that Akanksha Puri, who is also associated with the film, attempted to claim ownership of the necklace's design, further complicating the matter. Her legal team is arguing that the necklace's design is original and that Gujjar holds the intellectual property rights.

The Film 'So Long Valley'

‘So Long Valley’ is an upcoming film that has been generating some buzz within the Indian film industry. The film is said to be a drama exploring complex themes, and the makers were hoping to leverage the Cannes Film Festival’s global reach to promote the project. The controversy surrounding Gujjar’s necklace has undoubtedly brought significant attention to the film, although whether it will be positive or negative remains to be seen.

Legal Proceedings and Future Outlook

The lawsuit has been filed in a Mumbai court, and the initial hearing is scheduled for [Date]. Gujjar’s legal team is confident in their client’s case, citing evidence of the verbal agreement and the originality of the necklace’s design. The defendants, including the film makers and Akanksha Puri, are yet to formally respond to the allegations.

This case highlights the complexities of intellectual property rights and contractual agreements within the entertainment industry. As the legal proceedings unfold, it will be interesting to see how the court interprets the claims and what the ultimate outcome will be. The public will undoubtedly be following the developments closely, given the initial viral attention surrounding the Cannes necklace incident.

The incident also raises questions about the ethics of using political imagery for promotional purposes and the importance of clear and legally binding contracts in creative collaborations.

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