Bollywood controversies are not something new to hear about. Besides the actors life, many controversial films are also there in B-Town. These movies are mostly created to expose the truth or convey a social message.
Yet, the sensitivity it has does not go well with everyone. Some people find them good while for few these films turns into an outrage. Thus, eventually, such movies face major issues and result in Controversy. So, let’s check out which are such Hindi films that have been a target of controversy.
Take a glance into the controversial films of Bollywood:
- Aandhi
1975 political drama starring Suchitra Sen and Sanjeev Kumar banned because of the resemblance of the actress look with the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The makers declared about the film not being on Indira Gandhi’s life, still, it didn’t worked. Scenes of Suchita smoking and drinking during elections in the film created more anger among people. After BJP, came in power then, the film got an opportunity to hit the screens.
- Fire(1996)
When it comes to controversial films, Fire can never be missed out. Although Fire was the first film in the Indian Cinema which portrayed the homosexual relationship openly. Still, at that time it was not that easy to accept it and thus, many people raised their voice against it. Posters were burnt and people opposed the cinemas where it was being released . Fire starred Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das in the lead roles. Both the actress did a wonderful job in terms of acting but sadly, the film could not get the appreciation they expected.
Films which were worth seeing but did not got opportunity to release:
- Water
This (2005) movie starring John Abraham and Lisa Ray is one of the most controversial films of Bollywood. It was made on the community of ‘Sati’ who are the widows staying at an Asharam in Varanasi. The director tried to portray the kind of life these women stay but it received wrath from the Hindu organization. From burning posters to accusing it of hurting Hindus’ feelings, Water saw a tough time. Apart from this, during the shooting, the sets were destroyed and the filmmaker, Deepa Mehta was given death threats. She also had to change the location of her shooting from Varanasi to Sri Lanka.
- The Pink Mirror
This was the first movie in Indian cinema that featured transsexuals as the main lead. Aimed to give people a broader perspective on their sexuality but sadly the censor board banned it. Still, the movie received the Jury Award for Best Feature at the New York LGBT Film Festival and the Best Film of the Festival at Question de Genre in Lille, France.
- Nishabd
Amitabh Bachchan and late actor Jiah Khan’s film Nishabd showed a story of a 60-year-old man falling in love with a young girl. The makers tried to bring out the unique concept and the reality that many don’t want to accept. Still, faced hostility from people as they found it against our Indian values.
Controversies due to Bold scenes:
- Bandit Queen
Bandit Queen (1994) revolves around the real-life story of Phoolan Devi. The movie showcased the journey of Phoolan Devi from being a small-town girl to one of the most wanted dacoits. The film received negative comments because of the over abusive language, nudity, and bold scenes in it. Even so, it managed to grab the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.
- Ram Teri Ganga Maili
No doubt in today’s time intimate scenes in films are not a big deal but during 1985 it was. Raj Kapoor’s Ram Teri Ganga Maili is another movie that comes under the list of controversial films. The reason behind this is the bold scenes between Mandakini and Rajiv Kapoor. Also, flaunting assets in some scenes by the actress were not acceptable by audience.
- Kama Sutra: ‘A tale of love’
Known as the land of ‘Kama Sutra’ but banned in India. Isn’t this weird? The movie showcased sexual equation between four lovers. The sex scenes and, nudity in the film resulted into a backlash. Many called it out of our ethics or morals. Nationally not accepted but Internationally its applauded.
Religious Reasons:
- ‘Sins’
Though it was based on the real story but the subject of the film was not ethical in the religious aspect. Featuring Shiney Ahuja, the catholic priest involvement with a young woman in the story did not go well with people. It did not even get promoted by any channel.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s toughest challenge to release Most Controversial films:
- Padmaavat
This is the latest film by Sanjay Leela Bhansali that comes under the category of controversial films. This super hit movie had gone through a lot. Criticized by the Rajput community, the filmmaker faced death threats. Luckily after going through a lot, the film released. Also, the entire cast’s performance won many people’s hearts.
These are not just the B-Town controversial films. There are many more which did not release even after having a great story. Yet, the good part is, some of them are online so we can always watch them.
Anurag Kashyap’s debut film:
- Paanch
Surprisingly, this 2001 movie is still not released. It was Anurag Kashyap’s debut film based on the 5 band members who brutally murdered 9 people. It was criticized for having too much violence, drug abuse, and sex. Paanch could not have a theatrical release but it was leaked online.