There is no doubt that the filmmakers spend hours on the go before deciding the title of their film. However, at times the title of the film doesn’t go down well with the masses, and the makers are forced to change it.
The reason behind the change of the title can happen because of many reasons. It is sometimes due to copyrights issue, at times it is because the title gives away a completely different meaning, or even because it hurts the religious sentiments of a certain section of society.
In recent times we know a few filmmakers who changed the title of their project prior to its release.
Laxmii Bomb to Laxmii
The makers of the much-awaited film of 2020, Laxmii had to change the title of the film ahead of its premiere. The Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani starrer was previously titled Laxmii Bomb. However, after facing severe flak from several Hindu groups, the makers decided to drop the ‘bomb’ from the title. The groups objected to the use of the word ‘bomb’ with the name of a Goddess.
Mental Hai Kya to Judgemental Hai Kya
The 2019 film, Judgemental Hai Kya starring Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao was earlier titled Mental Hai Kya. However, the Indian Psychiatric Society took objection against the title, the makers had to change it. According to them, it sounded discriminative for people battling mental health issues.
Durgavati to Durgamati
The recently released Durgamati is the latest to join the bandwagon. The makers of the Bhumi Pednekar starrer had to change the title from Durgavati to Durgamati: The Myth. The reason behind changing the title is unknown. However, it is believed that after the backlash faced by Laxmii, the makers might have made the decision.
Padmaavati to Padmaavat
The 2018 period-drama movie Padmaavat became a center of controversy ahead of its release. The title received a lot of backlash from the Karni Sena who accused filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali of distorting history and facts. They even threatened the leading lady, Deepika Padukone as she essays the role of Rani Padmavati. After many controversies, the title was changed to Padmaavat from Padmaavati.
Jaffna to Madras Cafe
The John Abraham starrer thriller Madras Cafe was previously titled Jaffna. The plot of the film is about the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. However, the makers had to change the title from Jaffna to Madras Cafe because of the pressure from our neighbouring country, Sri Lanka. They felt it will show them in a bad light.