Is Akshay Kumar's Toilet — Ek Prem Katha inspired from another film?

Akshay Kumar’s Toilet — Ek Prem Katha is about the shortage of toilets in India, especially in rural areas. Now, there is talk that the love story surrounding sanitation may not be as original as it's perceived to be.

Apparently, filmmaker Sanjoy Nag shot a film Good Morning, Sunshine, which is also based on the sanitation campaign. Nag film is based on the 2012 incident where Priyanka Bharti left her in-laws' home in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district because they didn't have a toilet. 

Good Morning, Sunshine stars Revathi, Shweta Tripathi, Tejaswini Kolhapure and Rituparna Sengupta. Tripathi plays a character inspired by Bharti. Nag had completed most of his shoot in 2015.

Kumar’s Toilet — Ek Prem Katha will be released on 11 August, while Nag’s film has been delayed as music composer MM Keeravani was got busy with Baahubali: The Conclusion (2017).

Speaking to Cinestaan.com, Nag said, "I have no idea what their (Toilet — Ek Prem Katha) story is about. But from the poster that I see, I have serious doubts whether it is based on Priyanka’s story. We have Priyanka in our film. I’ve spoken to her and she too is not aware of any other film being made on her life. We have obtained the rights from Priyanka. I think their film is a work of fiction, with another story. People are probably drawing comparisons because of the title."

Bhumi Pednekar plays a village belle resembling Bharti, hence comparisons are being drawn.

"I’m not ruling it (similar plot) out but honestly, I don’t have any information about the other film. Toilet — Ek Prem Katha could be based on Priyanka or someone close to her. However, it would be incorrect on my part to react or talk about their film. I think multiple films can be made on the same issue. The content of my film is not well known as opposed to Toilet — Ek Prem Katha," said Nag.

Good Morning, Sunshine is a mix of Hindi and English. "Priyanka’s part is shot in Hindi, while Revathi and Ritupaarna speak in English. It is largely Hindi, though. All the songs are in Hindi," Nag added.

Nag had directed 2011 film Memories in March which bagged the National Film Award for Best Feature Film. 

The Akshay Kumar film is backed by distribution giant Viacom 18 Motion Pictures. Getting such corporate backing would be difficult for Nag, but Good Morning, Sunshine has recieved the blessings of the World Toilet Organisation (WTO).

“We have tied up with Jack Sim, founder of the World Toilet Organisation. Sim is part of the film too. WTO is a partner. We want to take the film to non-traditional film centres too. WTO has the World Toilet Summit, which is attended by head of states of most countries. This event will happen in Melbourne. We will be screening our film there,” said Nag.

The director stated that they still haven’t decided a release date, as they recently completed the final leg of shoot which was done in two days.

While Toilet — Ek Prem Katha is likely to attract more pople due to the presence of Kumar and Pednekar, we hope viewers catch Good Morning, Sushine too as it also highlights a grave issue.