Why KJo doesn’t object when the title of his blockbuster gets appropriated for a Bhojpuri movie

Amrapali Dubey revealed the first glimpse of a forthcoming Bhojpuri movie in which she has been cast on Friday morning. Though there was nothing strange about it, the movie’s title did cause some confusion.

 

 

In keeping with Bhojpuri film tradition, one would have expected the title to be something bawdy with a double meaning, but instead it turned out to be “Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam,” a direct ripoff of Karan Johar’s Bollywood hit.

While it is true that the Bhojpuri film industry operates in a totally different world from the urban multiplex audience that KJo serves, it is also clear that Bhojpuri filmmakers are content to capitalize on well-known Hindi film names.

An prospective film adopting the title of a film that has already been produced and shown in theaters throughout the nation is not unlawful, claims experienced industry analyst and IANS writer Vinod Mirani. A movie that uses the name of one that is currently in development is not permitted.

Notwithstanding any legal complexities, Bollywood’s profound impact on regional theaters around the nation is reflected in the copycat effect. In addition to honoring the success of the Hindi originals, rip-off movie names draw in viewers who are already acquainted with the genre.

Here are eight of the many Bhojpuri films that have become well-known Bollywood names, chosen by IANS:

The 2018 Bhojpuri war film “Border,” which was directed by Santosh Mishra and starred Amrapali Dubey and Dinesh Lal Yadav “Nirahua,” the Lok Sabha MP for Azamgarh, tells the tale of Abhay Shastri and how he becomes an army officer in order to get vengeance on Pakistan.

The film’s title is a clear reference to the 1997 film “Border,” directed by J.P. Dutta and centred on the actual Battle of Longewala (December 4–7, 1971). The film had an impressive ensemble of actors, including Sunny Deol, Jackie Shroff, Suniel Shetty, and Akshaye Khanna.

“Patthar Ke Sanam” is a 2019 Bhojpuri romantic action drama starring Arvind Akela (also known as “Kallu”) and Yamini Singh, and it was directed by Niraj Randhir.

Naturally, the movie’s title was taken from the 1967 film “Patthar Ke Sanam,” which starred Mumtaz, Waheeda Rehman, and Manoj Kumar and was based on a screenplay by Gulshan Nanda. In addition, it was a romance film with popular songs from the time, such as Mohammed Rafi’s rendition of the title song, “Patthar Ke Sanam.”

“Rakhwala”: This 2013 Bhojpuri action film, helmed by Aslam Sheikh and starring Dinesh Lal Yadav and Rinku Ghosh, is named after the 1989 pan-Indian film by D. Rama Naidu, which starred Anil Kapoor in the Hindi version.

“Satya,” a 2017 Bhojpuri action-romance drama starring Pawan Singh, who has been in the news for his inconsistent choices when running for Lok Sabha, and Akshara Singh, has little in common with the film’s well-known namesake, the gritty crime drama that Ram Gopal Varma directed and was released in 1998.

“Aashiqui” is a 2022 Bhojpuri romantic action drama starring Khesari Lal Yadav and Amrapali Dubey. It revolves with societal issues including inter-caste marriage and untouchability.

Once again, the film bears virtually little resemblance to Mahesh Bhatt’s love musical “Aashiqui,” which debuted in 1990 and starred Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal.

“Aashiqui 2,” another romantic musical drama helmed by Mohit Suri and featuring Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor in the major roles, was the follow-up to the 1990 blockbuster.

“Dhadkan” is a 2017 Bhojpuri film starring Pawan Singh and Akshara Singh in the major parts of another romantic action comedy. It takes its name from the 2000 Hindi romantic musical drama “Dhadkan,” starring Suniel Shetty, Shilpa Shetty, and Akshay Kumar.

“Khiladi,” a 2016 Aslam Sheikh film starring Khesari Lal Yadav and Madhu Sharma, is another romantic action drama, a popular genre in Bhojpuri cinema.

Abbas-Mustan directed “Khiladi,” a musical thriller released in 1992 in Hindi. With important parts for Ayesha Jhulka and Deepak Tijori, it became Akshay Kumar’s breakout film.

“Coolie No. 1” is a 2019 Bhojpuri film directed by Lal Babu Pandit, starring Khesari Lal Yadav and Kajal Raghwani in a romantic action drama. “Coolie No. 1,” directed by David Dhawan in 1995, was a comedic masala picture that starred Govinda and Karisma Kapoor, who were an unbeatable combination.