In the wake of "Operation Sindoor," the Indian Armed Forces' recent targeted strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, a flurry of activity has gripped Bollywood, with filmmakers and actors rushing to secure titles related to the operation.

Numerous production houses, including those of John Abraham and Aditya Dhar, alongside prominent figures like Mahaveer Jain, Ashoke Pandit, and Madhur Bhandarkar, and studios such as Zee Studios, Reliance, JP Films, and Bombay Show Studio, have submitted applications to industry bodies like the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) and the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC). Over 30 applications have already been filed.

The titles being sought reflect the mission's name and the tragic event that preceded it, including "Operation Sindoor," "Operation Sindoor Magnum," "Pahalgam: The Horrific Terror," "The Pahalgam Terror," and "Sindoor Operation". Other variations include "Hindustan Ka Sindoor", "Mission Operation Sindoor" and "Sindoor Ka Badla".

This scramble for titles is a common phenomenon in Bollywood, where filmmakers often seek to capitalize on significant national events. As Anil Nagrath, Secretary of IMPPA, noted, producers often look to current events for stories that resonate with the public, and "Operation Sindoor" is viewed as a source of national pride. The success of previous war films like "Uri: The Surgical Strike," "War," and "Shershaah" has further fueled this trend, demonstrating the audience's appetite for stories of patriotism and military valor.

However, industry bodies like IFTPC have begun to verbally discourage further title applications, and the allocation of titles will depend on who applied first.

While Reliance Industries Limited was initially reported to be among the contenders, they have refuted these claims, stating they have no intention of trademarking "Operation Sindoor". However, other sources indicate Reliance was the first to file a trademark application for Operation Sindoor, seeking exclusive rights under Class 41, which covers entertainment, education, cultural, and media services.

According to a source within the industry, registering a title early is a strategic move, even if a film is not immediately planned. It secures the option for future projects and prevents others from using the same name. As trade analyst Atul Mohan points out, a timely title can attract attention, but the quality of the storytelling will ultimately determine success.

The rush to secure titles related to "Operation Sindoor" highlights Bollywood's keen interest in reflecting contemporary events and national sentiment on screen. While the motivations may be driven by both patriotic fervor and commercial opportunity, the success of any film based on the operation will depend on its ability to connect with audiences and deliver a compelling narrative.