Why are Bollywood film titles often controversial?

Bollywood film titles can be controversial due to religious sensitivities, political undertones, or perceived disrespect towards communities, leading to protests and legal actions.

Which Bollywood movies have changed their titles due to controversy?

Movies like Billu Barber, Ram-Leela, Padmavati, Loveratri, and Laxmmi Bomb have changed their titles following public outcry and objections.

What was the controversy surrounding the film Ghooskhor Pandat?

The film Ghooskhor Pandat faced controversy and FIRs for allegedly defaming the Pandit community, leading to the withdrawal of promotional material and an agreed title change.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Bollywood's Title Troubles: A Name Game Controversy

Bollywood's Title Troubles: A Name Game Controversy

11 Feb

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Summary

Filmmakers face backlash for controversial movie titles.
Titles can lead to protests, legal battles, and last-minute changes.
Religious, political, and community sensitivities often cause issues.

Bollywood's Title Troubles: A Name Game Controversy

In Bollywood, a film's title can spark significant controversy, leading to legal battles and last-minute alterations before release. This trend, prevalent since the 1970s, has intensified in recent years. Filmmakers are increasingly finding that titles can be as contentious as the narratives they present.

The recent example is Neeraj Pandey's upcoming Netflix film, initially titled 'Ghooskhor Pandat'. It faced widespread criticism and FIRs for allegedly defaming the Pandit community, prompting the makers to withdraw promotional material and agree to a title change.

Several films have navigated similar challenges. Shah Rukh Khan's 'Billu Barber' was renamed 'Billu' after hairdressers' associations protested the word 'barber.' Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Ram-Leela' became 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela' due to religious objections. His film 'Padmavati' was retitled 'Padmaavat' following extensive protests from Rajput groups.