Makers to take a call over title closer to Loveratri release date

A source close to the film Loveratri, which has run into trouble for its title, has said the team will review the possibility of changing the title closer to the release date. The film is produced by Salman Khan and will be the debut of his brother-in-law, Aayush Sharma.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday had declared that they would not allow Loveratri to be screened in theatres as it 'distorts the meaning of a Hindu festival' and might 'affect Hindu sentiments'.

A reliable source closely associated with the film told us: "At the moment we don’t want to give importance to these people [VHP] who unnecessarily create trouble for publicity."  

When asked whether Khan and the makers were contemplating on changing the title, the source said, “We are not discussing on this matter with anybody. We are a good four months away from the release [5 October]. Till then, we are not commenting. We will only decide closer to the release, or review the situation then. At the moment, we are just focusing on finishing the film.”

A Deccan Chronicle report had said that Khan was willing to change the title to avoid any unnecessary trouble. The report says the actor is planning an online contest to ask fans to suggest a suitable title. The publication quoted a source as saying, "Salman is now planning to run an online contest asking fans to suggest a new title for the film. He is already in trouble with a few organisations in Rajasthan after the black buck case. The last thing he wants is a Padmaavat-like controversy which spills into Gujarat and Rajasthan and spikes his release plans.”

VHP working president, Alok Kumar had told Press Trust of India earlier, “The film is set against the backdrop of Navratri, a Hindu festival, and the name distorts its meaning. We will not allow its exhibition in cinema halls in the country. We don't want the sentiments of Hindus to be hurt."

The romantic drama is said to revolve around two young people who meet and fall in love during the festival of Navratri. The film is set in Gujarat.

Directed by Abhiraj Minwala, Loveratri will mark the debut of Sharma as well as Warina Hussain. The film is produced by Khan, and will be distributed by Eros International.