The recent military action, “Operation Sindoor,” undertaken by the Indian armed forces, has not only resonated deeply with the nation but has also triggered a flurry of activity within the Hindi film industry. Mirroring past trends where significant national events become fodder for cinematic narratives, a multitude of Bollywood filmmakers and actors are reportedly making a beeline to various film bodies to secure titles related to “Operation Sindoor.”
Within hours of the official announcement of “Operation Sindoor,” which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) and the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) have been flooded with title registration requests. Sources indicate that over 30 applications have already been submitted collectively to these bodies.
Among the prominent names and production houses vying for these titles are Aditya Dhar, the director of the successful film “Uri: The Surgical Strike,” actor Suniel Shetty, and filmmakers Madhur Bhandarkar and Vivek Agnihotri. Production banners like T-Series, Zee Studios, Reliance, JP Films, Bombay Show Studio, and Almighty Motion Picture are also reportedly in the race.
Some of the titles being sought include “Operation Sindoor,” “Operation Sindoor Magnum,” “Pahalgam: The Horrific Terror,” “The Pahalgam Terror,” and “Sindoor Operation,” 1 reflecting the immediate impact and focus of the military action.
This swift move by Bollywood producers to register titles is a common practice when events of national importance capture public imagination. The success of films like “Uri: The Surgical Strike” and “Shershaah” has further solidified the understanding that stories of patriotism and military valor often find strong resonance with the Indian audience at the box office.
As filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, who has also applied for a title, explained, registering a title is the crucial first step for any potential film project. It secures the name, allowing filmmakers the option to explore the subject further down the line, even if a film doesn’t immediately materialize.
Interestingly, Reliance Industries had initially filed a trademark for “Operation Sindoor” under Class 41, which covers entertainment-related services. However, the company later clarified that this was done inadvertently and without authorization by a junior person, and they have since withdrawn the application, stating that “Operation Sindoor” is now a part of the national consciousness.
The process of securing a film title involves registering it with one of the four film bodies. The first to file an application typically gets the title, with these bodies exchanging letters to confirm the priority. This “title war” highlights the competitive nature of the film industry in capitalizing on current events.
Key Highlights:
- Following “Operation Sindoor,” Bollywood filmmakers and actors are rushing to register related film titles.
- Over 30 applications have been filed with IMPPA and IFTPC.
- Prominent names like Aditya Dhar, Suniel Shetty, and production houses like T-Series are in the race.
- This rush is driven by the success of past patriotic films based on real events.
- Reliance Industries initially filed a trademark but later withdrew it.