Did Producer Sandeep Singh’s Banner Properly Use the ‘Chandni Bar’ Title?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Legal Rights: Legend Studios asserts they hold all necessary rights for the title 'Chandni Bar'.
- Trademark Registration: Official evidence supports their claims of ownership.
- Ongoing Dispute: The conflict highlights the importance of intellectual property in the film industry.
- Industry Response: The Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association has intervened.
- Future Projects: 'Chandni Bar Returns' is set to release in December 2026.
Mumbai, Oct 8 (NationPress) Producer Sandeep Singh’s banner, Legend Studios, has released a statement addressing Madhur Bhandarkar’s complaint regarding the supposed ‘unauthorized’ use of the renowned 'Chandni Bar' title.
Singh took the opportunity to clarify his position, responding to the issues raised and explaining his perspective on the much-discussed sequel. Legend Studios issued a statement outlining the legal standing of the project.
The studio confirmed that it has secured all required legal rights and clearances from the rightful intellectual property (IP) and trademark holders of the 2001 film “Chandni Bar.” The studio shared the official certificate from the Government of India Trademark Registry, which verifies that the title is registered under the original producers, R. Mohan and the late Lata Mohan Iyer.
Co-producer Vishal Gurnani stated, “Sandeep Singh's Legend Studios has obtained the Option Rights for the title from the Original Producers, who are also the registered trademark holders and IP owners of the original cult classic Chandni Bar (2001). We assert that no other production house can legally create this film. Our IP legal team is responding to the relevant trade organizations and is taking all necessary measures to uphold and safeguard our legal rights.”
“The official trademark certificate, which is publicly accessible, clearly indicates the registration of the CHANDNI BAR trademark (Application Number 1662053, in Class 41) with the proprietor being Lata Mohan Iyer (wife of R. Mohan). This evidence confirms that Legend Studios acted after obtaining the title rights from the legal heirs of the original producer, not from Madhur Bhandarkar or his organization,” he added.
Madhur Bhandarkar has lodged a complaint with the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) against producer Sandeep Singh and director Ajay Bahl. In light of the complaint, the association has instructed the creators to immediately stop using the title for their project. Released in 2001, “Chandni Bar” marked Bhandarkar’s impressive debut in Bollywood, featuring Tabu in the lead role.
“Chandni Bar Returns,” which will be directed by Ajay Bahl, is slated for a global release on December 3, 2026.