Controversies are frequently regarded as uninvited guests on a movie set in the glittering world of Bollywood, where dreams are stitched into filmmaking and superstars shine brighter than the city lights. The Indian film industry has seen its fair share of behind-the-scenes drama, from script disagreements to casting decisions.
Let’s deep dive into the top 7 that had the gossip mills working overtime before the cameras even started rolling.
1) Padmaavat (2018): Beyond the Screen Battle
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s greatest effort, “Padmaavat,” was bombarded by criticism long before it hit the big screen. The film, based on the epic poem “Padmavat” by Malik Muhammad Jayasi, aroused anger due to its depiction of historical individuals, stimulating protests, threats, and even physical attacks on the director and lead actress, Deepika Padukone.
2) My Name Is Khan (2010): The Power of Words
Karan Johar’s “My Name Is Khan” tackles the sensitive issue of religious profiling, which proved to be a ticking time bomb in the run-up to the film’s premiere. The controversy was inflamed further by lead actor Shah Rukh Khan’s statements on the exclusion of Pakistani cricketers from the Indian Premier League, resulting in a split climate that hung over the film’s release.
3) Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013): A Title by Any Other Name
Before Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Ram-Leela” hit theaters, it found itself stuck in legal troubles over its original title, “Ram-Leela.” The film’s release date was pushed back because a court ordered a change to prevent offending religious sensibilities. This turbulent start did little to hinder the film’s eventual triumph.
4) India’s Most Wanted (2019): The ‘Insensitive’ Manhunt
The film “India’s Most Wanted” by Raj Kumar Gupta drew criticism for depicting a manhunt without the deployment of armed forces in a situation symbolic of real-life occurrences. The scandal spurred questions regarding filmmakers’ responsibilities when dealing with sensitive subjects that are still fresh in the public’s mind.
5) PK (2014): A Comedy Storm
The satirical take on religion in Aamir Khan’s “PK” got tongues churning long before its release. The film, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, drew criticism from religious groups, who accused it of offending religious sensibilities. The controversy, however, led to interest, and “PK” went on to become one of Bollywood’s highest-grossing films.
6) Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal (2012): A Case of Plagiarism
When writer-director Alam Gahir accused the film of stealing his script, Priyadarshan’s “Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal” became entangled in a plagiarism issue. The following legal struggle proved as dramatic as the film itself, showcasing Bollywood’s often dark world of intellectual property conflicts.
7) Fitoor (2016): Literature and Love
“Fitoor,” Abhishek Kapoor’s adaption of Charles Dickens’s “Great Expectations,” received mixed reviews for its departure from the source material and the apparent influence of personal relationships on casting decisions. The film’s release was clouded by controversies, both creative and personal, which led to its lack of response.