'Churails' plagiarism issue was on oversight on our part, not studio Rokhan: Asim Abbasi

The director has issued an apology after being accused of copying French artist Malika Favre's work in opening credits

Asim Abbasi's Churails has been making headlines since the very first look of the show was unveiled. It divided the audience as some named it the best Pakistani show to have hit the screens while others termed it as “vulgar.”

Last month, a tweet brought some attention to the opening sequence of the critically acclaimed show where an obvious similarity with another illustration by French illustrator, Malika Favre, was pointed out. A Twitter user named Amna Tariq shared two eerily similar pictures on her account and wrote, "Half a minute into the web series Churails and I spot some blatant plagiarism in the opening credits. Malika Favre's powerful illustration has been quite conveniently ripped off."

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

Now, the director has finally addressed the matter in a series of tweets. 

"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 the necessary measures to rectify the situation," Abbasi began. 

1. 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. (Cont’d)

— Asim Abbasi (@IllicitusProduc) September 18, 2020

He went on to clear the name of the production house and added, "Due to an oversight by the production house, the animation studio was provided the said artwork and given the authorisation to use it."

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

The Cake director further shared why he decided to keep mum on the matter earlier. "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."

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

Previously, responding to the query, Glasshouse Production, the production house of the show, released a statement. "This has been brought to our notice right now and we are looking into it immediately," the representative shared with The Express Tribune. 

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