Several Bollywood movies have faced controversies over their titles, leading filmmakers to make changes to avoid legal or political issues. Here are some prominent examples:
1. Padmaavat (2018)
Original Title: Padmavati
The film, based on the epic poem Padmavat, faced backlash from Rajput groups who believed it distorted historical facts about Queen Padmavati. To address the concerns, the title was changed to Padmaavat to clarify that the movie was inspired by the fictional poem, not historical events.
2. Billu (2009)
Original Title: Billu Barber
Barbers’ associations found the word “barber” offensive and protested against the title. To avoid further controversy, the makers   dropped “Barber” from the title, and the film was simply released as Billu.
3. Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013)
Original Title: Ram-Leela
Religious groups objected to the use of the term “Ram-Leela,” believing it associated the film with the Hindu religious play. To avoid offending sentiments, the title was altered to Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela
4. R… Rajkumar (2013)
Original Title: Rambo Rajkumar
The makers received legal notices from the makers of the Rambo series, claiming the title infringed upon their rights. As a result, the title was changed to R… Rajkumar.
5. Loveyatri (2018)
Original Title: Loveratri
Religious groups found the original title Loveratri disrespectful to the Hindu festival of Navratri, as the title seemed to play on the festival’s name. The film was renamed *Loveyatri* to avoid further controversy.
6. Total Siyappa (2014)
Original Title: Aman Ki Asha
The original title was the name of a joint peace initiative between Indian and Pakistani media outlets. Concerns arose that the film’s rom-com genre might trivialize the peace movement, prompting the title change to Total Siyappa
7. Madras Cafe (2013)
Original Title: Jaffna
The original title referred to a city in Sri Lanka, closely linked to the Sri Lankan Civil War. Due to political sensitivities, the title was changed to *Madras Cafe* to avoid any international issues.
8. Laxmii (2020)
Original Title: Laxmmi Bomb
Religious groups and Hindu organizations protested the use of the word “Bomb” alongside the goddess’s name, Lakshmi, deeming it disrespectful. To respect religious sentiments, the title was altered to Laxmii.
9. Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017)
Original Title: The Ring
Originally titled The Ring, the name was changed to Jab Harry Met Sejal after audience feedback and concerns that the original title did not align with the romantic theme of the film.
10. Katti Batti (2015)
Original Title: Saali Kutiya
The original title, Saali Kutiya, was considered too offensive and inappropriate for mainstream audiences. The makers decided to change the title to Katti Batti, which was less controversial.
These title changes reflect the sensitivities in Bollywood, where filmmakers often face pressure to align with cultural, religious, or legal considerations.
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