From Lyrics to Luck: How Bollywood Mixes Nostalgia and Numerology in Film Titles

Ever heard a song and thought, “This could totally be a movie title”? In Bollywood, that idea is more than just a passing thought—it’s a growing trend. From catchy hooks to cosmic alignments, the world of Hindi cinema is increasingly turning to nostalgic lyrics and numerological calculations when it comes to naming their films. In an industry where a title can be the first hook for the audience, it seems filmmakers are ready to try anything to create that perfect first impression.

Tapping into Nostalgia

From Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (inspired by Raghav Mathur’s 2004 hit Teri Baaton) to Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (a nod to Bombay Meri Jaan), filmmakers are finding lyrical inspiration in the archives of iconic songs. Titles like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (lifted from the 1972 film Jawani Diwani) and Jab Tak Hai Jaan (from a dialogue in Sholay, later made iconic by a poem in Veer-Zaara) are all examples of Bollywood dipping into its musical past.

The trend isn’t new, but its resurgence is hard to miss. Nostalgia sells—and in a market where familiarity often trumps novelty, these titles strike a deep emotional chord with audiences.

Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai, the man behind classics like Pardes, Taal, and Ram Lakhan, believes that while referencing past songs can help draw attention, it’s important not to compromise on originality. “Using a line from a song or poem is often the easiest way to connect with the audience. But a filmmaker must put in the effort to ensure the title truly reflects the story and its theme,” Ghai said in a conversation with India Today Digital. He further added that titles like Khalnayak or Laapataa Ladies work because they align deeply with the film’s narrative.

A Marketing Gimmick or Creative Shortcut?

Not everyone is sold on the trend. Veteran lyricist Swanand Kirkire calls the practice a bit of a “marketing gimmick.” While he agrees that using old lyrics can boost visibility, he warns that it doesn’t always reflect creative depth.

“It’s an age-old practice,” he said. “Yes, it gives people an idea of what to expect. But creativity can be compromised when filmmakers rely solely on a song’s popularity. And often, credits aren’t given to the original lyricists or composers.”

Kirkire points out that there’s a legal process to using song titles as film names, but the lack of attribution is a lingering concern. “A title is meant to give people an idea of what the film is about. Now, when they use a song as the title and don’t give credit for it—that’s a different issue altogether,” he added.

More importantly, Kirkire emphasized that no title—no matter how catchy or nostalgic—can save a weak storyline. “At the end of the day, the film has to deliver. If the content doesn’t live up to expectations, the audience will walk away disappointed,” he said.

Numerology: When Creativity Meets Cosmic Alignment

While some filmmakers look to the past for inspiration, others look to the stars—literally. Enter numerology, the ancient science of assigning vibrational energy to letters and names. In an industry as competitive and unpredictable as Bollywood, filmmakers are willing to consult numerologists to tweak titles for better box office fortune.

Sidhharrth S Kumaar, a numerologist who has advised both Bollywood and international productions, explained how film titles are often adjusted to align with the energies of key people involved in the project—actors, directors, and producers.

“Every letter holds a certain vibration and is governed by a planet and number,” Sidhharrth explained. “When we change a letter, repeat it, or substitute it with another character, we’re not just altering the spelling—we’re shifting the energetic blueprint of the title. The goal is to ensure the title is in harmony with the team’s energies to maximise success.”

He added that Bollywood tends to be more flexible and bold with such changes—often doubling letters or using stylized Hindi-English mashups—while the South Indian and Hollywood industries usually opt for subtle synchronisations and bespoke names.

“In Bollywood, you’ll see extra letters or alternate spellings that jump out. In the South or in Hollywood, they prefer a more refined approach. But the purpose is the same—to enhance the film’s chances through strategic naming,” he said.

What’s in a Name? A Lot, Apparently.

With upcoming films like Kartik Aaryan’s Main Tera Tu Meri, Tu Meri Main Tera and Varun Dhawan’s Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, it’s clear that this trend isn’t going away anytime soon. Whether it’s a lyrical throwback, a numerology-driven tweak, or a combination of both, Bollywood titles are now a careful blend of emotion, memory, strategy, and superstition.

In a culture where films are larger than life and audiences are emotionally invested from the get-go, a title is not just a label—it’s the first promise, the first emotion, and sometimes, the first hook.

So the next time you hear a familiar tune echoing in a film title, know that it might be more than just a tribute. It could be strategy, science, or simply cinema magic. After all, in Bollywood, naam mein kya rakha hai? Apparently—everything.

IT.