Bollywood filmmakers rush to trademark ‘Operation Sindoor’

As tensions rise between Pakistan and India following India's 'Operation Sindoor', Bollywood seems more focused on securing film titles than confronting the reality on the ground.

In the early hours of Wednesday (May 7), India launched airstrikes across several areas in Pakistan, including Kotli, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Bagh, and Muzaffarabad. At least 30 civilians were reportedly martyred, with over 40 others injured.

In retaliation, the Pakistan Air Force shot down six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale jets. This marked the first time in history that a Rafale jet was brought down in combat.

A day later, on Thursday, Pakistan also shot down more than 30 Indian drones in various regions of the country.

Meanwhile, Indian media reports suggest that filmmakers are scrambling to trademark the term ‘Operation Sindoor’, a phrase now widely used in the Indian narrative around the recent Pahalgam incident.

At least five trademark applications have reportedly been filed so far, with the aim of turning the operation into a movie or web series.

On May 7, Reliance Industries became the first to file a trademark application under Class 41, which includes media, education, and entertainment services. However, the company withdrew the application a day later, stating it was “inadvertently submitted by a junior employee without authorisation.”

“Reliance Industries has no intention of trademarking Operation Sindoor,” the company clarified in an official statement.

Despite this withdrawal, the rush had already begun. Industry insiders reveal that multiple production houses and individuals have since filed to register titles linked to Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam incident.

The Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) and the Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC) have reportedly received over 35 title applications in total, covering both films and web series.

IFTPC’s Suresh Amin confirmed, “We’ve received around 10 to 12 title applications related to the mission. Most of the interest is coming from major Bollywood studios.”

This quick move by the film industry has raised eyebrows, especially as the facts behind the Pahalgam incident remain unclear. Pakistan has already called for an impartial international investigation, but instead of waiting for verified details, Indian filmmakers appear more eager to dramatize the narrative.