Real stories behind Reel titles

They say, what’s in a name? But when it comes to films, the name or the title of a film gives the audiences an idea on what to look forward to. There have been umpteen numbers of cases when filmmakers have scrambled their brains for months for a good title, and when it wins the hearts of the audiences and turns into an evergreen classic, it becomes the face of the film industry.

Reports of title wars and objectionable movie title have raised the eyebrows. But what led them into the limelight?

According to a Kannada film producer, the procedure for registering a movie title with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, the premier body of the film industry has to pass certain norms and conditions. “Not everyone can walk in and register a movie title. In the case of a new film producer, they have to first apply seeking for banner registration. The concerned committee will meet and decide on granting the registration for the banner,” says Shankar, a film producer.

He further adds that, if it’s registered but is yet to pass through the censorship for release, it gets permission for registering only one title. A banner which has passed the censorship procedure gets permission for two. By paying a nominal fee of around Rs 2,000, the eligible ones get the title registered for a certain period of time and one has to get it renewed every year if the film gets delayed. However, it is accused that some of them have turned it into a money making business!

“After getting the banner registered, some have been registering unique titles and keep on renewing it for years without completing the film. In some cases, the film is just on papers and would have never started in real. It is when they come to know that a renowned filmmaker has sought for the same title, he/she could create problem at the right time during the release of the film citing that he/she owns the title of the film. It is then that they strike a deal for the money,” says ex-committee member of the film body on condition of anonymity.

Though not all indulge in such activities, such cases have become very frequent, he adds. As far as using the title of popular and classic films from the past is concerned, Subramanya, a film critic says that earlier there were rules that nobody could use the same title for at least 20 years and now the new bylaw has reduced it to a lesser period.

“However, classic movies which are not just popular but which have become the identity of Sandalwood should not be up for reuse. Though legally, it can be permitted, it is, on most occasions, the reputation of the classic movies that face the brunt. Bangarada Manushya, Kasturi Nivasa, Nagarahaavu, Prema Loka, Ranadheera and Mungaru Male are all examples of this trend. “What if a new film is made using the title and end up being a mediocre?,” he questions.

Granting titles without verifying real motives has apparently ended in embarrassing situations, as another critic points out.  Some time ago, a movie title referring to a temple was granted and the filmmakers had approached a popular pilgrimage site in the state for permission to shoot in their holy premises. Only  when the film released that everyone realised that the filmmakers had shot an adult film instead!