Pratik Gandhi-starrer Raavan Leela retitled to Bhavai

Pratik Gandhi's upcoming film Raavan Leela has been retitled Bhavai. The makers have taken the move after 'receiving audiences' requests' and 'to respect their sentiments.'

Earlier, a legal defamation notice was sent to the makers for allegedly glorifying the figure of Raavan in the film's trailer and tagline.

Director Hardik Gajjar said in a statement, "I am happy to honor the wishes of my stakeholders and audience, the love we have received for the film thus far is resonance of the fact that good cinema is the need of the hour. Cinema is a medium meant to entertain people and so is our film. Audiences have showered Pratik with love for his work and we hope that this film will only see it multiply. It's a film that is close to our hearts and we are confident that audiences will love it with all their hearts."

Pratik in an Instagram post said he 'understands' why the makers have changed the title. Sharing the new poster, he wrote, "When it comes to beliefs, it is a very tricky situation, because it can be anything and still you don’t want to hurt anyone’s beliefs. Our story is also very different and is such that it will not affect anyone’s beliefs. But I understand why the makers have changed it."

Bhavai tells the story of a ramleela performer (Pratik) who portrays Raavana in staged plays. When he falls in love with the actor playing Sita (Aindrita Ray), their relationship falls prey to blind faith and local politics. The film is set for a theatrical release on October 1.