Getting the title Spirit has become a big challenge for Sandeep Reddy Vanga. At the same time, Rajamouli’s globe-trotting adventure Varanasi got its title without any controversy, thanks to a generous gesture by director Subba Reddy.
Subba Reddy revealed that he had registered the title Varanasi in 2023 under his banner and had even started developing a story with that title. But when he learned that Rajamouli wanted it for his globe-trotting adventure, he willingly gave it up.
What makes the gesture even more special is that he did not ask for any money.
Subba Reddy said he never looked at the title as something to make money from. Instead, he happily handed it over out of respect for Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu, and Telugu cinema.
“A title is an emotion. It’s not something I wanted to sell,” he said. He added that seeing his favorite hero, Mahesh Babu, use the title itself made him happy.
The situation with Spirit is completely different.
The makers of the independent Telugu film Spirit Is Not One have claimed that they own the registered rights to the title. They also alleged that T-Series sent them legal notices asking them not to use it. According to them, they were even asked not to use the title Spirit for their OTT release or YouTube version.
Since the talks reportedly failed, the producers have decided to fight the matter legally. They have approached the Film Chamber and the CBFC, and the issue remains unresolved. So far, Sandeep Reddy Vanga‘s team has not responded publicly.
At a time when title disputes often end in legal battles or expensive settlements, Subba Reddy’s decision to hand over Varanasi without asking for anything in return stands out. However, in the case of Spirit, it is the complete opposite, with no solution in sight.
