- My Alerts
- Go Ad-Free
-
My Account
From Padmavat to Ghooskhor Pandat: Bollywood films that changed titles after controversy
Film titles often ignite controversy even before audiences watch the first scene. Just like Ghooskhor Pandat, several Indian films faced protests, legal notices, and public outrage over their names. Here’s a look at notable movies whose titles were asked to be changed.
1/10
Ghooskhor Pandat (faced title change demands)
Ghooskhor Pandat sparked controversy soon after its title announcement, with some groups claiming it hurt community sentiments. Objections and demands for renaming followed, highlighting how sensitive film titles can quickly trigger public debate.
Ghooskhor Pandat sparked controversy soon after its title announcement, with some groups claiming it hurt community sentiments. Objections and demands for renaming followed, highlighting how sensitive film titles can quickly trigger public debate.
2/10
Padmaavat (originally Padmavati)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s historical drama was first titled Padmavati. Rajput groups alleged distortion of history and objected strongly to the name. After widespread protests and CBFC intervention, the makers modified the title to Padmaavat before release.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s historical drama was first titled Padmavati. Rajput groups alleged distortion of history and objected strongly to the name. After widespread protests and CBFC intervention, the makers modified the title to Padmaavat before release.
3/10
Laxmii (originally Laxmmi Bomb)
Akshay Kumar’s horror-comedy was initially named Laxmmi Bomb. Several groups claimed the title disrespected Goddess Lakshmi and hurt religious sentiments. Following backlash and boycott calls, the producers altered the name to Laxmii ahead of its OTT premiere.
Akshay Kumar’s horror-comedy was initially named Laxmmi Bomb. Several groups claimed the title disrespected Goddess Lakshmi and hurt religious sentiments. Following backlash and boycott calls, the producers altered the name to Laxmii ahead of its OTT premiere.
4/10
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (originally Ram-Leela)
Bhansali’s romantic drama was earlier titled Ram-Leela. Religious groups objected, claiming misuse of Lord Ram’s name in a modern love story. To settle legal disputes and protests, the film was renamed Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.
Bhansali’s romantic drama was earlier titled Ram-Leela. Religious groups objected, claiming misuse of Lord Ram’s name in a modern love story. To settle legal disputes and protests, the film was renamed Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.
5/10
Judgementall Hai Kya (originally Mental Hai Kya)
The Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao starrer was first titled Mental Hai Kya. Mental health advocates criticised the insensitive use of the word “mental.” Responding to concerns and public pressure, the makers revised the title.
The Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao starrer was first titled Mental Hai Kya. Mental health advocates criticised the insensitive use of the word “mental.” Responding to concerns and public pressure, the makers revised the title.
6/10
Billu (originally Billu Barber)
The Irrfan Khan-led film was initially called Billu Barber. Barber associations objected to the word, claiming it stereotyped and disrespected their profession. After complaints and protests, the makers dropped “Barber,” releasing the film simply as Billu.
The Irrfan Khan-led film was initially called Billu Barber. Barber associations objected to the word, claiming it stereotyped and disrespected their profession. After complaints and protests, the makers dropped “Barber,” releasing the film simply as Billu.
7/10
Loveyatri (originally Loveratri)
Salman Khan’s production venture was first titled Loveratri. Critics alleged it distorted the sacred festival of Navratri and hurt religious sentiments. Amid protests and legal notices, the title was changed to Loveyatri shortly before release.
Salman Khan’s production venture was first titled Loveratri. Critics alleged it distorted the sacred festival of Navratri and hurt religious sentiments. Amid protests and legal notices, the title was changed to Loveyatri shortly before release.
8/10
Total Siyapaa (originally Aman Ki Aasha)
This cross-border romantic comedy starring Ali Zafar and Yami Gautam was initially named Aman Ki Aasha. Considering political sensitivities and potential controversy surrounding Indo-Pak themes, the producers later retitled the film Total Siyapaa.
This cross-border romantic comedy starring Ali Zafar and Yami Gautam was initially named Aman Ki Aasha. Considering political sensitivities and potential controversy surrounding Indo-Pak themes, the producers later retitled the film Total Siyapaa.
9/10
Tamasha (originally Window Seat)
Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha reportedly faced a legal challenge from another filmmaker claiming prior rights to the title. The dispute created brief uncertainty, but the Ranbir Kapoor–Deepika Padukone starrer eventually retained its original name.
Imtiaz Ali’s Tamasha reportedly faced a legal challenge from another filmmaker claiming prior rights to the title. The dispute created brief uncertainty, but the Ranbir Kapoor–Deepika Padukone starrer eventually retained its original name.
10/10
Udta Punjab (title faced objections)
The Abhishek Chaubey film encountered censorship hurdles over its portrayal of Punjab’s drug crisis. Some voices demanded changes, including concerns about the title referencing the state, though it was ultimately released unchanged.
The Abhishek Chaubey film encountered censorship hurdles over its portrayal of Punjab’s drug crisis. Some voices demanded changes, including concerns about the title referencing the state, though it was ultimately released unchanged.
Discover the latest Business News, Budget 2025 News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
