Pakistani web series Churails is the talk of the town and has gained attention around the globe. It received positive response from the audience while as some even criticized it due to its content.
After its release, a Twitter user highlighted similarities between an opening scene of Churails with French illustrator Malika Favre’s artwork.
Half a minute into the web series #churails and I spot some blatant plagiarism in the opening credits. @malikafavre’s powerful illustration has been quite conveniently ripped off. @nytopinion @nytimes @NewYorker pic.twitter.com/SNtF22eCGd
— Amna Tariq (@amna_tq) August 20, 2020
However, the director of Churails, Asim Abbasi didn’t clarify the matter earlier but after a month he has explained the whole thing.
He said that as soon as he got to know about this he reached out to Malika Fevre. “A few weeks ago the issue regarding the plagiarism / usage of an illustration created by French artist Malika Favre in Churails was brought to our attention. We immediately reached out to Malika to take necessary measures to rectify the situation.”
“I would also at this point like to clear the name of our animation creator, Studio Rokhan @rokhan_official of any wrongdoing. Due to an oversight by the production house, the animation studio was provided the said artwork and given the authorization to use it @rokhan_official of any wrongdoing. Due to an oversight by the production house, the animation studio was provided the said artwork and given the authorization to use it,” he added.
He further said, “My silence on this matter was due to the production house needing time to complete the corrective process, which it now has. I strongly believe that the rights of all artists must be protected and upheld at all times and would like to personally apologise for this oversight.”
Here are Asim Abbasi’s tweets:
2. I would also at this point like to clear the name of our animation creator, Studio Rokhan @rokhan_official of any wrongdoing. Due to an oversight by the production house, the animation studio was provided the said artwork and given the authorization to use it. (Cont’d)
— Asim Abbasi (@IllicitusProduc) September 18, 2020
3. My silence on this matter was due to the production house needing time to complete the corrective process, which it now has. I strongly believe that the rights of all artists must be protected and upheld at all times and would like to personally apologise for this oversight.
— Asim Abbasi (@IllicitusProduc) September 18, 2020
