Unhappy with makers of the sequel to Chandni Bar using the film’s title without his permission, director Madhur Bhandarkar has filed a complaint against them with the Indian Motion Picture Producer’s Association (IMPPA). Madhur had directed the 2001 original Chandni Bar, featuring Tabu, which had won multiple National Awards. Recently, it was announced that director Ajay Bahl and producer Sandeep Singh are making a sequel to the film.
Madhur stated in his complaint that the makers were using his registered title Chandni Bar for their sequel, Chandni Bar Returns, without permission. Following the complaint, the association has instructed the makers to immediately stop using the title for their project.
"This is to inform you that we have received a complaint from our member, M/s Bhandarkar Entertainment, Mr Madhur Bhandarkar that your company is using their registered title ‘Chandni Bar’ for a sequel titled “Chandni Bar Returns” without obtaining the requisite authorisation or consent,” stated the letter sent to Sandeep Singh by IMPPA.
They added, "Please note that the title ‘Chandni Bar’ is a registered property of M/s Bhandarkar Entertainment. Any use of this title, in any form or medium, without their prior written approval constitutes unauthorised use and may invite appropriate action. Therefore, you are hereby advised to stop using the said title in any format with immediate effect."
In response, Sandeep’s banner Legend Studios, which is backing the sequel, as per a press release, has stated that all legal rights and clearances have been acquired from the “rightful Intellectual Property (IP) and Trademark owners of the original 2001 film, Chandni Bar” R. Mohan.
The co-producer of the film Vishal Gurnani stated, "Sandeep Singh's Legend Studios has acquired the Option Rights of the said title from the Original Producers, who are also the owners of the Registered Trademark and IP owner of the original cult classic Chandni Bar (2001). We want to state that no other banner can legally make the said film. Our IP lawyers are replying to the concerned trade associations and are taking all necessary steps to validate and protect our legal rights."
Madhur’s Chandni Bar, also starring Atul Kulkarni, was a raw and unflinching portrayal of Mumbai’s underbelly. The film earned multiple National Awards and went on to achieve cult status in Indian cinema.
The cast for the sequel is yet to be finalized. The film will be shot extensively across Mumbai and Dubai. The shoot is expected to commence in the middle of the next year.