Salman Khan’s 'Bharat' caught in legal title dispute

A petitioner seeks a title change and claims the film is ‘distorting the culture of our great country’

It seems upcoming Bollywood film Bharat has landed itself in hot water after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed against it. Salman Khan's character in his film is called Bharat but there is a legal dispute over the usage of the name, reported Hindustan Times.

The PIL, which was filed in the Delhi High Court. seeks a change of the title, claiming the film is “distorting the culture and political image of our great country Bharat.”

PHOTO: FILE

In his plea, the petitioner Vikas Tyagi contended that the title of the film is in violation of Section 3 of Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, according to which the word ‘Bharat’ cannot be used for the commercial purpose.

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But that's not the only issue Tyagi had a problem with. He has also sought changes in one of the dialogues of the film where the character has been compared to the country, contending that it hurts "patriotic sentiments."

PHOTO: FILE

Tyagi said, “This film is fraught with Salman’s typical flippancy and vulgarity. Being a ‘Bharatiya’, I feel it is not appropriate to name such film or any character associated with this film after our great nation.”

Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, Bharat stars Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Tabu, Nora Fatehi, Disha Patani, Sunil Grover and Jackie Shroff and is slated for release on June 5.

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