We take a look at some instances where Bollywood films have borrowed titles from Hollywood productions
Highway
Recently, Ajay Devgn’s film, titled 'Action Jackson', ran into trouble with Warner Bros slapping a notice against the film’s producer, claiming that the title belongs to them.
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It may be pointed out here that Warner Bros had produced a film by the same name back in 1988 and it starred Carl Weathers and Sharon Stone. As per the notice, producer Gordhan Tanwani — a member of the Indian Film and Television Producers Council along with Warner Bros — has been asked to change the title.
The IFTPC has summoned both the parties to resolve this issue. HitList takes a look at other instances where Bollywood films have borrowed titles from Hollywood productions.
'Highway'
Bollywood film: This is a film directed by Imtiaz Ali starring Randeep Hooda and Ali Bhatt. A romantic drama that traces the life of a young city girl who takes the highway at night with her fiancé and is abducted while on this journey. The film, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, is slated to release on February 21.
'Highway' (2014) and 'Highway' (2002)
Hollywood film: Directed by James Cox, this 2002 film was a crime drama, starring Kimberly Kates and Jared Leto.
'Knock Out'
Bollywood film: This 2010 film was directed by Mani Shankar and it starred Sanjay Dutt, Kangana Ranaut and Irrfan. The film faced troubles when Fox Studio sued it under the copyright infringement act. The studio claimed that the film was a copy of their film, Phone Booth that starred Colin Farrell. The makers lost the case.
'Knockout' (2010) and 'Knockout' (2011)
Hollywood film: An action film directed by Lorenzo Doumani back in 2000, the film starred Sophia Adella Luke and Educardo Yanez and was centred around boxing. In fact, Hollywood has more than three films with the same title, and this includes Anne Wheeler’s film starring Steve Austin that was released in 2011.
'Crook'
Bollywood film: This 2010 film was directed by Mohit Suri and it starred Emran Hashmi, Neha Sharma and Arjan Bajwa. It centred around corrupt police and radical attacks on Indian students in Australia.
'Crook' (2010) and 'Crook' (2010)
Hollywood film: This 2009 film was directed by Daric Gates. It tells the story of a real estate mogul who is targetted by a secret service agency. The film starred Barbara Birnie, Dennis Bress and Luci Eisen.
'1911'
Bollywood film: This film is slated to be directed by Shoojit Sircar, and will star John Abraham and Ayushman Khurana. The film is based on a real-life tournament dating back to 1911 when an Asian football team defeated the East Yorkshire Regiment to win the Indian Football Association (IFA) shield. In the film, John plays Shiv Das Bhaduri, a veterinary doctor who is also a footballer.
John Abraham who stars in the film and (right) '1911' (2011)
Hollywood film: Directed by Li Zhang and Jackie Chan, this film starred Chan, Winston Chao and Bingbing Li. This 2011 film was a historical drama that dealt with the founding of the Republic of China.
'Love Story'
Bollywood film: A film directed by Rajendra Kumar and Rahul Rawail (uncredited), this marked the debut of actors Kumar Gaurav and Vijeta Pandit. The film tells the love story of a boy and girl whose parents were ex-lovers. The film made Kumar Gaurav and Vijeta Pandit overnight stars and was released in 1981.
'Love Story' (1981) and 'Love Story' (1970)
Hollywood film: This was a romantic drama written by Eric Segal, who also authored the best-selling novel of the same name. The film was directed by Arthur Hiller and starred Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw. The film also had a sequel, titled Oliver’s Story.
'Rockstar'
Bollywood film: Directed by Imtiaz Ali, this Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri starrer released in 2011. It told the tragic love story of a man who chases his dream of becoming a rockstar.
'Rock Star' (2011) and 'Rock Star' (2001)
Hollywood film: An American comedy drama directed by Stephen Herek in 2001, this film starred Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston. Inspired by the real-life story of Tim Ripper Owens — a singer in Judas Priest tribute band who was chosen to replace Rob Halford — the film tells the story of tribute band singer, Chris.
'Citylights'
Bollywood film: An official adaptation of British crime drama Metro Manila — that was also Britain’s official entry to the Oscars in the Foreign Language category in ?? — this film will be directed by Hansal Mehta. It will star Rajkumar Rao and is slated to release in May.
'City Lights' (2014) and 'City Lights' (1931)
Hollywood film: Considered to be the 11th greatest American film of all time, this film was made in 1931 and is a romantic comedy that has been written-directed by Charlie Chaplin. The film revolves around the Chaplin’s misadventures as he falls in love with a blind girl and develops friendship with an alcoholic.
'Wanted'
Bollywood film: The film was made in 2009 and was directed by Prabhu Deva. It started Salman Khan and Ayesha Takia. A film that fared exceedingly well at the box office, it told the story of a man who kills people for money.
'Wanted' (2009) and 'Wanted' (2008)
Hollywood film: This 2008 film was directed by Timur Bekmambetov and starred Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy. The plot features a police officer, who finds out that he is the son of a professional assassin and thus possesses similar traits and tendencies.
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