• Source:JND
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Chandni Bar 2: The much-loved 2001 film Chandni Bar is once again in the spotlight, but this time not for a new release instead, it’s due to a legal controversy. Director Madhur Bhandarkar, who made the original film starring Tabu, has filed a complaint against the makers of its upcoming sequel for allegedly using the title Chandni Bar without his permission. The filmmaker lodged his complaint with the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA), targeting producer Sandeep Singh and director Ajay Bahl, who are working on a new project reportedly titled Chandni Bar Returns. Bhandarkar claims that the title belongs to his banner, Bhandarkar Entertainment, and that the sequel is being developed without his authorisation.

Following the complaint, the IMPPA issued a formal notice to Sandeep Singh and his production house, directing them to stop using the name immediately. The notice stated, “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 necessary consent or approval.” The letter further emphasised that Chandni Bar is a registered property of Bhandarkar’s production house. It warned that any use of the title without written permission would be considered unauthorised and could lead to legal action.

chandni bar movie poster

Chandni Bar Movie Poster (Image: X)

Meanwhile, soon after the controversy gained attention, Sandeep Singh’s production banner Legend Studios released a statement defending their position. The makers clarified that they have legally acquired all rights and permissions to use the title. They claimed that Chandni Bar is owned by the original producers of the 2001 film the late Lata Mohan Iyer and Shri R. Mohan, and that Legend Studios obtained the necessary option rights directly from them. Additionally, co-producer Vishal Gurnani explained, “Legend Studios has acquired the option rights from the original producers, who also hold the registered trademark and intellectual property rights of the film Chandni Bar (2001). No other banner can legally remake or continue this project. Our legal team is addressing the matter with the concerned trade associations to ensure our rights are protected.”

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About Chandni Bar Movie

Directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, Chandni Bar starred Tabu and Atul Kulkarni in the lead roles, along with Rajpal Yadav, Ananya Khare, and Minakshi Sahani in supporting parts. The film portrayed the harsh realities of Mumbai’s underworld, focusing on the struggles of a bar dancer trying to rebuild her life amid crime and exploitation. Released on 28th September 2001, the film received immense praise from critics and audiences alike, becoming both a box office hit and a National Award-winning classic.