Indian filmmakers rush to secure operation sindoor title, 15 studios seek registration

In the wake of India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a number of Bollywood studios are eagerly seeking to secure the title "Operation Sindoor" for potential war-themed films. Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which prompted the retaliatory strikes, close to 15 filmmakers and production houses have applied to the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association for the rights to the title.

BN Tiwari, president of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), confirmed this development to India Today, noting that this kind of rush for titles is a common practice in the industry after major national events. "Filmmakers often try to register titles immediately after such significant events. Even if they don’t end up making a film, having the title secured is a safe move," said a source. This trend, they added, has become more evident after the success of films like Uri, War, and Fighter, which established war movies as a popular genre among audiences.

Ashoke Pandit, one of the filmmakers who has applied to register the title, told India Today that while it is uncertain whether a film based on the events will be made, registering the title is an essential first step in filmmaking. "Without a title, you can’t even begin planning a film," he explained. Pandit also expressed a personal connection to the subject, highlighting the pain and suffering the country has endured due to Pakistan‍‍`s actions over the years. "This is a very important subject for me as someone who has suffered because of Pakistan directly. We’ve been victims of their terrorism for over 30 years."

Among the front-runners to secure the title, Mahaveer Jain’s company was the first to register it, followed by prominent names such as Ashoke Pandit, Madhur Bhandarkar, and major studios like T-Series and Zee Studios.