Billu Barber to Ramleela, 7 film titles that were changed after controversies
Billu Barber to Ramleela, 7 film titles that were changed after controversies
Over the years, several Indian filmmakers have had to change the titles of their films after controversies and facing backlash. Let's have a look at 7 such Bollywood films here.
Bollywood movie titles changed due to controversies: Shakespeare famously said, 'What's is the name?' But, that stands in conflict when it comes to movie titles. In various instances, Bollywood has come under the spotlight for its controversial movie names. Let's have a look at 7 such films in this article.
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Satyanaryan Ki Katha to Satyaprem Ki Katha: When 'Satyanarayan Ki Katha' was announced, it was alleged that the film title is objectionable. Following which, 'to avoid hurting sentiments, even if that's purely unintentional,' the makers decided to change it. A year later, the makers shared the new title, 'Satyaprem Ki Katha'.
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Laxmmi Bomb to Laxmii: Before 'Prithvira'j, the Akshay Kumar-starrer 'Laxmmi Bomb' was renamed 'Laxmii', following suggestion of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). According to earlier reports, the makers had received a legal notice from the Rajasthan-based outfit, Shri Rajput Karni Sena, claiming that the name 'Laxmmi Bomb' was demeaning towards Goddess Laxmi, adding that the title insulted sentiments.
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Pamavati to Padmaavat: In 2017, the Karni Sena had mounted a strong protest against 'Padmavati, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and starring Deepika Padukone. After days of violent protest and processions, the film was renamed to 'Padmaavat'.
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Mental Hai Kya to Judgementall Hai Kya: Kangana Ranaut, Rajkummar Rao's film was at the receiving end for a while with many people calling the title derogatory and insensitive to those battling mental health issues. After a lot of hullabaloo, 'Mental Hai Kya' was changed to 'Judgementall Hai Kya'.
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Billu Barber to Billu: 'Billu Barber', a Shah Rukh Khan film, also faced trouble because of its title. A representative of the barber community from Mumbai, who has been successful in his traditional vocation, raised objections to his people being described as barbers. India is a country where, traditionally, people and communities have been tagged by their vocations. A lot many use their ancestral family vocations as surnames even today. Eventually, the film's title had to be shortened to 'Billu' (2009).
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Jaffna to Madras Cafe: John Abraham's movie, based on the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, was also in the news for its controversial title. The film was initially called ‘Jaffna’. Coincidentally, it is also a place located in Sri Lanka. Following immense pressure from the neighbouring country, the 2013 film had to undergo a title change and was named 'Madras Cafe'.
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Ramleela to Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram-Leela: Sanajay Leela Bhansali has often caught himself in troubled waters due to his movie titles. 'Ramleela' is just another example. SLB also faced opposition for his film starring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles. Initially titled Raamleela, the name of the film was changed to 'Goliyon Ki Rasleela: Ram-Leela' to avoid any religious conflict.
