These days, the titles of films have become a cause of great debate. As soon as even the slightest controversial name comes up, protests start on social media. Some find the title offensive. Some seem to have religious sentiments attached to it. At the same time, many people also find political messages in it. This was the reason why the cases of films like ‘The Kerala Story 2’, ‘Ghooskhor Pandit’ and ‘Yadav Ji Ki Love Story’ reached the court directly. Now regarding this matter, Amar Ujala talked to the artists or makers associated with these films and some experts and found out how the titles are decided?
How are the titles of films decided?
These rules are jointly overseen by four major organizations in the industry – Indian Motion Picture Producers Association, Western India Film and TV Producers Association, Producers Guild of India and Indian Motion Pictures Producers Council.
Film producers have to register their titles with these institutions.
If someone has already registered a name, then it cannot be available to anyone else. For this ‘clearance’ has to be taken from the association.
Big production houses also register their film names and franchises (like Dhoom, Golmaal) as trademarks to protect them.
What has happened so far on the recent controversial films?
In the case of ‘The Kerala Story 2’, the Kerala High Court said that the title can confuse the audience, hence the release rights should be withheld until the matter is clarified.
The Supreme Court took a strict stance during the hearing on ‘Bribery Pandit’. When the opposition increased, the makers withdrew the title and agreed to decide on a new name.
In the case of ‘Yadav Ji Ki Love Story’, the Supreme Court clearly said that the title does not insult any community. The court rejected the petition.
However, the social media debate regarding all three films is still going on.
I started receiving threats even before the film’s release: Director Ankit Bhadana
Ankit Bhadana, director of the film ‘Yadav Ji Ki Love Story’, says, ‘The film has not even been released yet and some people are passing judgment just by looking at the name. I didn’t think the title would create so much heat. Many people are busy spoiling the atmosphere without understanding the story. My car was attacked. There was a reward for slapping me and I was also being threatened with death. But truth can be stopped, not defeated. The main character is Abhimanyu Yadav. The title is from him. It is being shown as if the entire community is the target. This is simply spreading misunderstanding. It is unfair to call a film ‘community target’ just by looking at its name. The real thing will be revealed when the film comes out.
It was a funny story, but people thought something else after seeing the title: Bribery Pandit actor Sumeet
‘This is a funny story. It was not that serious. We ourselves could not believe that such a big controversy could happen just on name. When we were shooting, we didn’t even know the title. Later we found out that the dispute had already started. Manoj sir’s character is very fun-loving, but after seeing the title, people understood something else. Now it is hoped that the new title will be as per the story and will come out of unnecessary controversy.
Earlier there was not so much drama: Abhay Sinha, President of Impa
‘Today passing the title of a film has become the most difficult task. Earlier there was not so much controversy over names. Today people find a religious or political angle on every name. Because of this we also have to be very careful.
Some people used to book 10-10 titles: Sangram Shirke, President, Western India Film and TV Producers Association
‘More caution is exercised over titles today than ever before. We book titles in association with IMPAA. First of all, let’s see whether the names of two films are the same, otherwise the producer directly faces loss. Earlier, many people used to book 10 titles and later blackmail others. In such a situation, now we have made every title valid for three years only. If the film is not made then we take back the title.
Controversy also arose over the names of these films
Padmavati – Accused of showing history wrong, title changed to ‘Padmavat’.
Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘Sridevi’ – Sridevi and Boney Kapoor sent notice, the film was not released.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan – Objection of VHP and Bajrang Dal, High Court rejected the petition.
Singh Saab the Great – SGPC objected but the title was not changed.
Rambo Rajkumar – Copyright dispute occurred. Name changed to ‘R Rajkumar’.
Main Hoon Rajinikanth – Rajinikanth challenged in court, name changed to ‘Main Hoon Rajini’.
Lakshmi Bomb – Name changed to ‘Lakshmi’ due to religious opposition.
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela – Court case happened. The title was changed to Ram-Leela 48 hours before release.
Prithviraj – Title changed to ‘Emperor Prithviraj’ to show historical respect.
Billu Barber – After objection from the barber community, the name of the film was changed to ‘Billu’ by removing ‘Barber’.
