Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye: I own the title rights which I’m transferring to Ramya, says BK Gangadhar

The shooting was recently wrapped up and the post-production is going on in full swing.

While starting her own production house, Ramya said that she intends to produce not just movies but also aims to take up projects for OTT, such as web series, and so on.

Apart from Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye, she has one more yet-to-be-titled project in the pipeline which is being released in association with KRG Studios.

I can’t wait to begin work on #SwathiMutthinaMaleHaniye as a first time producer and actor once again with the genius @RajbShettyOMK @lighterbuddha @m3dhun #PraveenShriyan Happy Vijayadashami everyone! ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ಶುಭವ ತರಲಿ ವಿಜಯದಶಮಿ 🧡 Thank you for all the love! 🤗♥️ https://t.co/ccArpHsXoa

— Ramya/Divya Spandana (@divyaspandana) October 5, 2022

In a surprising turn of events, renowned Kannada producer and director SV Rajendra Singh Babu issued a legal notice through his advocate to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) over the title of Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye. In his notice, he stated that the title should not be given.

Rajendra Singh Babu also stated that he already finished a majority of the shooting for the film with a similar title, starring Rebel Star Ambareesh and Suhasini.

Also Read: Kannada cinema still lacks in terms of substantial roles for women, says Ramya

‘Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye’ is a popular song from the film ‘Bannada’. (Supplied)

Further, in his communication to the Film Chamber, the producer-director said that following the unfortunate demise of Ambareesh, some portions of the flick remained incomplete as he objected to two movies having similar titles.

He stated that the title is taken from a popular song from his directorial Bannada which was released in 1990. The film stars Crazy Star V Ravichandran and Amala Akkineni in the lead.

The popular song from the movie, Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye is written and composed by Hamsalekha.

Presenting the talented #SiriRavikumar as Prerana in Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye.

Prerana, which has its origin in Sanskrit, means inspiration. Tell us what inspires you. #SMMH @divyaspandana #RajBShetty pic.twitter.com/p5oJ09TSAK

— Applebox Studios (@StudiosApplebox) December 5, 2022

I have the title registered: BK Gangadhar

Meanwhile, producer BK Gangadhar told South First that he owns the title: Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye.

“I got the title, Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye, registered in August itself. However, when Ramya, who started her maiden production house, approached me to make use of the title, I decided to give it to her. They have even finished the shooting of the film. I am transferring the title to Ramya, and there is no doubt about it.”

Kannada film producer-director Rajendra Singh Babu. (Supplied)

On Rajendra Singh Babu’s notice to the KFCC, Gangadhar explained that so many get the titles registered based on popular songs.

“Rajendra Singh Babu is a very senior filmmaker who has held several important positions and he must be aware of the rules and regulations,” he added.

‘Gangadhar has the rights’

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Ba Ma Harish told South First that the rights of the title Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye rest with producer BK Gangadhar and he agreed to give it to Ramya for her maiden production venture.

“It is like an MoU between the two as the title is yet to be officially transferred to Ramya. Since the chamber did not hold a meeting on matters on film titles, the process to officially transfer the title has not yet been finalised.”

“Once the executive committee of the chambers meets, it will be taken up and the needful will be done,” he added.