‘Padmaavat’ to ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’: Some of Bollywood’s most controversial films

Bollywood, India’s thriving film industry, is known for its glamour, drama, and captivating storylines. But behind the glittering screen lies a history of films that have sparked outrage, debates, and controversies. These films, for various reasons, have challenged social norms, provoked political discussions, and tested the limits of what is acceptable in Indian cinema.

Here’s a look at some of the most controversial films in Bollywood that have left an indelible mark.

Padmaavat (2018)

‘Padmaavat’, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, faced widespread protests and threats before its release. The film, based on the epic poem ‘Padmavat’ by Malik Muhammad Jayasi, starred Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh. The controversy erupted over the portrayal of Rani Padmavati, with protests claiming that it distorted history and misrepresented Rajput culture. The film faced attacks on its sets, threats to the cast, and calls for a ban by various Rajput organisations. Despite the controversy, ‘Padmaavat’ went on to become a massive box-office success, but it remains one of the most contentious films in recent memory.

‘Fire’ (1996)

‘Fire’, directed by Deepa Mehta, is one of the most controversial films in Indian cinema, primarily due to its portrayal of same-sex relationships. The film, starring Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das, tells the story of two women who fall in love and begin a passionate relationship.

At the time of its release, ‘Fire’ was criticized for its bold take on homosexuality, a subject that was largely taboo in Indian society. Religious and cultural groups protested against the film, accusing it of promoting obscenity and immorality. Despite the backlash, Fire became an important film in the LGBTQ+ movement in India and was praised for its groundbreaking narrative.

‘India’s Daughter’ (2015)

India’s Daughter, a documentary directed by Leslee Udwin, was based on the brutal 2012 gang rape and murder of Jyoti Singh in Delhi. The film caused a national and international outcry for its stark portrayal of the incident and the interviews with the rapists. The documentary sparked outrage in India, where many felt that it was exploitative and sensationalized the tragic event. The Indian government banned the film, citing concerns over the potential for it to create disharmony and incite violence. The film, however, brought global attention to issues of sexual violence and misogyny in India, making it a significant yet controversial piece of cinema.

‘Aandhi’ (1975)

‘Aandhi’, directed by Gulzar, was a political drama that drew considerable controversy due to its supposed parallels with the life of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Starring Suchitra Sen and Sanjeev Kumar, the film depicted the story of a woman who rises to political power, only to be estranged from her family. The film was seen as a thinly veiled critique of Gandhi’s political career. Following its release, the movie was banned in several states, and its screening was halted, with many believing it was a deliberate attempt to avoid political unrest during a turbulent period in Indian politics. The controversy surrounding ‘Aandhi’ was a reflection of the tense political atmosphere of the time.

‘Bandit Queen’ (1994)

‘Bandit Queen’, directed by Shekhar Kapur, is based on the life of Phoolan Devi, a woman who became a notorious bandit and later entered politics. The film, starring Seema Biswas, faced severe criticism for its graphic depiction of rape, violence, and its portrayal of Phoolan Devi’s life. Many critics and political leaders condemned the film for its sensationalism and accused it of distorting the truth about Phoolan Devi. The film was banned in several states, but it also gained international acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of caste-based violence and the plight of women in rural India.

‘The Dirty Picture’ (2011)

‘The Dirty Picture’, directed by Milan Luthria and starring Vidya Balan, was a biographical film about the life of South Indian actress Silk Smitha. The film’s unapologetic portrayal of Smitha’s career, which revolved around bold and sensual roles, was met with mixed reactions. While some praised the film for its honest representation of a woman who navigated the film industry’s misogynistic terrain, others condemned it for objectifying women and glorifying the sex industry. The film’s bold content, especially Vidya Balan’s performance, generated debates on women’s agency and empowerment in the entertainment industry.

‘Unfreedom’ (2014)

‘Unfreedom’, a film by Raj Amit Kumar, dealt with the sensitive themes of religious extremism, homophobia, and terrorism. The film’s controversial content, which included explicit gay sex scenes and a critique of Islamic fundamentalism, led to it being banned in India. The film was also considered highly provocative for its portrayal of both religious intolerance and LGBTQ+ rights.

‘Unfreedom’ generated a significant amount of debate, with some hailing it as a bold attempt to address India’s societal taboos, while others deemed it offensive and unsuitable for Indian audiences.

‘Paanch’ (2001)

Directed by Anurag Kashyap, ‘Paanch’ was a film about a group of friends who indulge in drugs, sex, and crime. The film was initially banned due to its explicit content and the perceived glorification of drugs and violence.

‘Paanch’ was never officially released in theaters, but its later screenings at film festivals showed that it had a cult following. The controversy around the film, however, helped launch Anurag Kashyap’s career as a filmmaker unafraid to tackle taboo subjects.

‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ (2016)

‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’, directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, faced widespread protests and a ban by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) due to its portrayal of women’s desires and aspirations.

The film, which stars Konkona Sen Sharma and Ratna Pathak Shah, explores the lives of four women in a conservative Indian town as they pursue their individual dreams. The film was initially denied certification on the grounds of being "lady-oriented" and "too bold." However, after a prolonged battle and several revisions, it was finally released to critical acclaim for its unapologetic exploration of women’s sexuality and freedom.

‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ (2022)

‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, starring Aamir Khan, became one of the most controversial films of 2022. The film, which is an official remake of ‘Forrest Gump’, faced backlash from certain sections of society due to Aamir Khan’s previous statements on India's social and political environment. The film was accused of promoting a negative image of India and was boycotted by several social media campaigns. Despite the criticism, the film’s underlying message of love and unity resonated with many, sparking further debates on the role of cinema in political discourse.

Conclusion

Bollywood’s history is filled with films that have pushed the boundaries of societal norms and challenged conventional thinking. Whether it’s exploring taboo topics, critiquing political systems, or delving into sensitive issues, these films have stirred up controversy and sparked conversations. While many of these films have been banned or heavily criticized, they have played a crucial role in broadening the scope of Indian cinema and opening up important discussions on subjects that were once considered unmentionable. Despite the controversy, they have paved the way for more daring and thought-provoking film making in the years to come.

Image credits:

Bhansali Productions

JSK Film Corporation

Assassin Films and Tathagat Films

Mehboob Studio and Natraj Studio

Kaleidoscope Entertainment and Film Four International

Padmini Films

Prakash Jha Productions