Title of Akshay Kumar's next release Laxmmi Bomb changed to Laxmii

Akshay Kumar's upcoming supernatural drama, Laxmmi Bomb (2020), has now been renamed simply Laxmii.

The makers decided to drop the 'bomb' from the controversial title after a discussion with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).

An extremist group had sent the producers a legal notice demanding a change in the title.

A statement from the producers said, 'Today, the film directed by Raghava Lawrence went for its censor certificate and [after] the screening the makers had a discussion with the CBFC. Respecting the sentiments of its viewers, the producers of the film — Shabinaa Khan, Tusshar Kapoor and Akshay Kumar — have now decided to change the title.'

The film has also been facing the ire of some right-wing extremists who have a problem with the protagonist, a Muslim, being married into a Hindu family.

A report on the Zoom TV website said the Shri Rajput Karni Sena, a fringe group that had grabbed the limelight with its demand three years ago to ban Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat (2018), had called upon the Laxmmi Bomb producers to change the title since they found it ''offensive'' and ''derogatory''.

In addition, veteran film and television actor Mukesh Khanna, of Mahabharat teleserial fame, had made similar allegations against the film in a social media post. Khanna claimed the title suggested ''mischief'' and aimed to create a controversy.

The film, directed by Raghava Lawrence, is a remake of his own Tamil hit, Muni 2: Kanchana (2011). Starring Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani, the film is set for release on 9 November on DIsney+ Hotstar.