Is Akshay Kumar's Toilet: Ek Prem Katha inspired by Tamil movie Joker?

The trailer of Akshay Kumar's Toilet: Ek Prem Katha was released on Sunday, June 11, and met with a good response. The video has caught the viewers' attention for its strong message blended with humour. However, in spite of the rave reviews, doubts are being expressed about whether the movie is inspired by the Tamil movie Joker, which starred Guru Somasundaram in the lead role.

"@akshaykumar's #ToiletEkPremKathaTrailer looks basic thread is influenced by #RajuMurugan's #Joker @prabhu_sr https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ym4EJQ7XORk&feature=youtu.be ... [sic]" journalist Sreedhar Pillai tweeted to highlight the Hindi movie's connection with Joker.

Raju Murugan's Joker revolved around a few issues, and particularly dealt with open defecation. In the movie, the heroine had rejected the hero for not having a toilet in his house and later falls for his good behaviour on the condition that he would construct a toilet before they get married.

In Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, a similar situation arises after Akshay Kumar ties the knot with Bhumi Pednekar. The trailer has given the impression that the movie revolves completely around open defecation. On the other hand, it was just one part of the story in Joker, which was written and directed by Raju Murugan. 

Akshay Kumar's performance in the trailer has been appreciated by the audience. Bhumi Pednekar is said to have a strong character in the movie. However, viewers will get more clarity on the connection between the two movies only after Akki's movie hits the screens on August 11.

Shree Narayan Singh has directed Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, which has been penned by Siddharth and Garima.