SV Rajendra Singh Babu files injunction against use of title Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye for Raj B Shetty’s film

When you hear Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye, chances are that the only image that pops to mind is that of the poster of actress Ramya’s debut production for her AppleBox Studios, directed by and starring Raj B Shetty in the lead. But according to veteran Kannada filmmaker SV Rajendra Singh Babu, Ramya and her team should not have been allowed the use of the title. His contention is that he had an in production film by the same name starring Rebel Star Ambareesh, when he passed away, leaving the movie about 80% done. He added that the title came from the song Swathi Mutthina Male Haniye from his 1990 film Bannada.

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Ba Ma Harish had clarified that it was producer BK Gangadhar who actually held the rights to the title and that he, in turn, was willing to turn it over to Ramya. Earlier today, though, Rajendra Singh Babu called a press briefing to announce that he’d filed an injunction against the use of the title and to prevent anyone from getting a film censored under that name. The injunction order names KFCC president, Sri Jayadurga Movies and the Secretary, CBFC as defendants. Gangadhar’s production house is Sri Jagadguru Movies. He is yet to legally handover the title to Ramya.

Ramya had announced her debut production venture last year for Vijayadashami. Initially, it was meant to be her acting comeback as well, but she later decided against it, following which Siri Ravikumar was chosen for the role. The team finished shooting the film in a record 17-18 days and Raj is believed to have wound up post production too. Raj is prepping for the film’s release, which is why the injunction has been filed now.