Actors Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone at a promotional for Ram-leela

Nov. 13: Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has tweaked the name of his Friday film: Ram-leela will now be called Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela.

The decision was taken today following protests by certain Hindu groups over the use of “Ram” in the film’s title and a subsequent stay order on its release by a Delhi lower court.

“It appears that some misinformation is being carried out regarding the said film which we would like to clarify and state that the said film is inspired and based on work of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The said film is neither related to “Ramleela” folklore/traditional performance associated with Lord Ram nor related to “Rasleela” associated with Lord Krishna. Ram the character in the said film does not depict or resemble LORD SHRI RAM in any manner,” read a statement from Bhansali Productions Private Limited.

Yesterday, BJP workers had burnt posters of the Ranveer Singh-Deepika Padukone film, saying its title hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community. But on their visit to Calcutta the same day, the actors had reiterated that the film was a “romantic love story that didn’t hurt religious sentiments”.

“The film has been passed by the censor board…. All it promises is pure entertainment,” Deepika said. With the name changed, the film will hit screens as scheduled on Friday.