'Battle of Galwan' to 'Kiran Bedi': Famous films that got new names

Just as Salman Khan's upcoming project gets rebranded, there are several movie titles that were changed prior to their release date. We list some of the biggest movies that underwent a name change right before they made it to the big screen.

Battle of Galwan to Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace

Salman Khan fans received an unexpected update on Monday morning with the renaming of his highly anticipated collaboration with Apoorva Lakhia. Formerly titled Battle of Galwan, the film will now be released as Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace.

The makers reportedly made the changes due to the ongoing West Asia conflict. Well, this is not the first time a major Bollywood project has undergone a title shift before hitting the big screen. Here we list some notable films that changed names just before their grand release.

Roohi Afza, Roohi Afzana to Roohi

Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao’s film Roohi went through multiple title changes. First announced as Roohi Afza, then Roohi Afzana, the makers finally settled on Roohi.

Laxmmi Bomb to Laxmii

After a legal notice from the Shri Rajput Karni Sena, Akshay Kumar's film was retitled as Laxmii. It was changed from the original title, Laxmmi Bomb, as a sect of audience found the title disrespectful to the Goddess Laxmi.

Mental to Judgementall Hai Kya

The film Judgementall Hai Kya starring Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar was retitled after the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) found the title offensive. Seeking to be more socially responsible, the creators renamed the film to avoid any discomfort to the mental health community.

Padmavati to Padmaavat

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s epic starring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone was originally titled Padmavati. Following a massive public uproar and fierce protests from Rajput communities, the makers retitled it to Padmaavat, agreeing to the mandates set by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

Loveratri to Loveyatri

Originally titled Loveratri, the debut film for Aayush Sharma and Warina Hussain faced heavy criticism from Hindu outfits for allegedly distorting the significance of the Navaratri festival. The makers changed it to Loveyatri just weeks before its release to avoid hurting religious sentiments.

Adda to Prem Adda

The 2012 film Prem Adda was born out of a heated legal battle after director Prem failed to secure the rights to the title Adda from producer BK Srinivas. Director Prem changed to Prem Adda and cleverly kept his name in a microscopic font on promotional materials to ensure the forbidden title Adda remains eye-catching.

Vishnuvardhan to Vishnuvardhana

Producers Dwarkish and Yogish's film Vishnuvardhan stirred controversy on its announcement, with legendary late actor Vishnuvardhan fiercely opposing the film's original title. The makers eventually made a minor change and rebranded the film as Vishnuvardhana in 2011.

Kiran Bedi to Kannadada Kiran Bedi

After facing strong opposition from IPS officer Kiran Bedi, the makers of the action film were forced to revise their title. Originally titled Kiran Bedi, the movie was retitled as Kannadada Kiran Bedi in 2009.