Mumbai: Yash Raj Films (YRF) have changed the title of their upcoming historical action drama ‘Prithviraj’ to ‘Samrat Prithviraj’.
YRF had to take such a decision just a week before the film’s release because of a PIL filed by Shree Rajput Karni Sena earlier this year.
The petition, filed by Advocate Raghavendra Mehrotra on behalf of Shree Rajput Karni Sena before the High Court, stated that the Rajput community was hurt by the title of the Akshay Kumar starrer and demanded that it be changed.
After a number of meetings and discussions, YRF finally agreed to change the film’s name to Samrat Prithviraj on Friday.
YRF intimated their decision in a letter addressed to Shri Rajput Karni Sena national president Mahipalsingh Makrana.
“Yash Raj Films Private Limited have been one of the leading production houses and distribution companies since its inception in the 1970s and continue to grow as one of India’s largest film studios. We have produced some of the most iconic films in the history of Indian cinema and have goodwill from over 50 years in the entertainment industry. We are committed to constantly creating and producing content for enjoyment of all audiences,” YRF wrote.
“We sincerely appreciate your effort in alerting us about your grievance in relation to the current title of the Film, and assure you that we did not, and do not, intend to hurt the sentiments of any person(s) or disrespect the late king and warrior, Prithviraj Chauhan. In fact, we wish to celebrate his bravery, achievements, and contribution to our nation’s history, through this Film,” YRF went on.
“As per the multiple rounds of discussions between us, and to peacefully and amicably resolve the raised grievance, we will change the title of the Film to ‘Samrat Prithviraj’. We are highly appreciative of the mutual agreement reached between us that you have no further objections with regards to our Film and that all other points raised by you earlier are no longer a point of contention between us. We thank Shri Rajput Karni Sena and its members for understanding our good intentions pertaining to the depiction of the great warrior in the Film. We are grateful to have your complete support, locally and globally, for release of the Film and for the assurances provided in your Letter.”
The film, due to release in theatres on June 3, is based on the life of Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan. Akshay has played the role of the legendary warrior, while Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar will be seen as Sanyogita.
Sanjay Dutt and Sonu Sood will be portraying important roles.
