CBFC Objections Force Last-Minute Title Tweak

Actor Suhas' upcoming comedy, previously titled 'Hey Bhagawan', underwent a significant last-minute alteration. The film's title was officially changed to 'Hey Balwanth' only four days before its planned theatrical debut on February 20, 2026. This change was prompted by objections from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which reportedly expressed concerns that the word "Bhagawan," meaning "God," could potentially offend religious sentiments.

The production team made the decision to swiftly rename the film to avoid any risk of release delays or prolonged discussions with the CBFC. Their pragmatic approach prioritized maintaining the scheduled release date, conveying a message that "Title changed. Entertainment unchanged." This marks another recent instance in the Telugu film industry where titles have been revised due to certification considerations.

Directed by debutant Gopi Atchara, 'Hey Balwanth' centers on a young man and his father's mysterious business venture, with VK Naresh portraying the father. Shivani Nagaram stars opposite Suhas, and the film also features comedians Vennela Kishore, Sudarshan, and Annapoornamma. The filmmakers have described the movie as a clean family entertainer focusing on confusion-driven humor and emotional depth, assuring that it avoids controversial themes.

Despite the title change, the controversy has likely amplified curiosity surrounding the film. The production team had already generated buzz through a unique pre-release campaign that offered prize money for guessing the nature of Naresh's character's business. The team assures audiences that while the name has been modified, the planned entertainment remains on schedule.