Rajkumar Santoshi's Film 'Lahore 1947' Renamed to 'Batwara 1947' Amid Tensions

Mumbai. The title of Rajkumar Santoshi's highly anticipated film, Lahore 1947, has been changed. Producers decided to alter the film's name to avoid controversy, considering the current tensions between India and Pakistan.

The film will now hit theaters under the name Batwara 1947. According to an Etimes report, the decision was made because the word 'Batwara' (Partition) is considered more appropriate to reflect the pain of the division and human emotions, rather than focusing on just one city.

This decision was finalized just last week, and the production team is preparing for a formal announcement soon. The film, produced by Aamir Khan, will star Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, and Ali Fazal in key roles. The film is scheduled for release on this year's Independence Day.

The story of the film is based on the famous play by writer Asghar Wajahat, 'Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya, O Jamya E Nai'. It chronicles the struggle of a Muslim family that moves from Lucknow to Lahore during the Partition and the story of an old mansion given to them to reside in.

'Border 2's grand success notwithstanding, Sunny Deol is currently busy with his next big project, 'Anthony'. Principal photography for this high-octane thriller has begun in Mumbai, where Sunny will be seen opposite actress Jyothika, while Vijay Varma will present in the villain's role.