Akshay Kumar-starrer Prithviraj gets relief from Delhi High Court, plea to change title dismissed

Delhi High Court has refused to entertain a plea to modify the title of the upcoming movie Prithviraj, which stars Akshay Kumar in the title role. The film is based on Prithviraj Chauhan, the legendary ruler of Delhi.

The Delhi High Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea seeking to modify the name of Akshay Kumar and Manushi Chhillar-starrer Prithviraj, produced by Yash Raj Films. A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Neena Bansal Krishna said it was inclined to dismiss the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) with costs after which the petitioner’s counsel sought permission to withdraw the plea. (Also read: Prithviraj teaser: Akshay Kumar plays 'Hindustan ka sher' in first promo; Manushi Chillar and Sonu Sood make appearances)

Akshay Kumar as Prithviraj Chauhan in a still from Prithviraj.

The court allowed the petitioner to withdraw the plea unconditionally. The petitioner Rashtriya Pravasi Parishad submitted that Samrat Prithviraj was a great emperor and putting movie title only as Prithviraj hurts the sentiments of public at large and it should be more respectful.

The plea suggested that the movie’s name should be modified as Great Emperor Prithviraj Chauhan. It claimed that using the great warrior's name without respectful prefixes is contrary to the Cinematograph Act. The court, however, refused to entertain the plea.

In a press release, Akshay had said the film is a tribute to the ruler. “He is a legend, he is one of the bravest warriors and he is one of the most upright kings that our country has ever seen. We hope that Indians worldwide love our salute to this mighty braveheart. We have tried to present his life story in the most authentic way possible and the film is a homage to his unmatched bravery and courage,” Akshay had said.

Prithviraj is directed by Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi and will release worldwide on June 10, 2022. The film was earlier slated to release in January but was postponed due to the restrictions put in place due to Covid-19. It also stars Sanjay Dutt and Sonu Sood in pivotal roles.

(With PTI inputs)