Madhur Bhandarkar Objects to 'Chandni Bar Returns,' Claims Title Infringement; Makers Defend Sequel

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, director of the cult hit ‘Chandni Bar’, has slammed the makers of its upcoming sequel, ‘Chandni Bar Returns’, for using the title without his permission. The 2001 National Award-winning film starring Tabu made waves in Bollywood. Bhandarkar has now taken the matter to the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), setting the stage for a high-profile legal tussle.According to Hindustan Times, IMPPA wrote a letter to Sandeep Singh and his banner stating, "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."The association 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."Following Bhandarkar’s complaint, Sandeep Singh clarified the situation. According to IANS, Singh stated that Legend Studios has obtained all legal rights and clearances from the legitimate owners of the original film’s intellectual property and trademark.The studio shared the official Government of India Trademark Registry certificate, showing that the title is registered with the original producers, R. Mohan and the late Lata Mohan Iyer.Co-producer Vishal Gurnani said, "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."Gurnani added, "The official trademark certificate, which has been in the public domain, clearly shows the registration of the CHANDNI BAR trademark (Application Number 1662053, in Class 41) with the proprietor name as Lata Mohan Iyer LATA (wife of R. Mohan). This information substantiates that Legend Studios has proceeded after securing the title rights from the legal successors of the original producer, not from Madhur Bhandarkar or his entity."Released in 2001, ‘Chandni Bar’ was Bhandarkar’s directorial debut. The film was a major hit and won multiple National Awards. It starred Tabu in the lead role and explored the lives of bar dancers in Mumbai, quickly becoming a cult classic.The sequel, ‘Chandni Bar Returns’, directed by Ajay Bahl, is set for a worldwide release on December 3, 2026.