Controversies and Bollywood Films go hand in hand.Some time its real and some time these are intentional.
In India, sex, politics,history, nudity, religious sentiments are the main ingredients for controversy. There have been a lot of movies in the past too that have stirred some serious controversies. The first controversy appeared way back in 1921 a silent film Bhakta Vidur.In this film the Hindu mythological character Vidura was moulded on the personality of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. This was the first Indian film to face a ban.
Recently the controversy of Padmavati by the Karni Sena has delayed the release of this film.Earlier also Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ran its agitation against the release of Karan Johar's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (ADHM) and Shah Rukh Khan's Raees since they feature Pakistani actors.
I am discussing some of those Bollywood films which made contoversy at the time of their release.
Kissa Kursi Ka (1977)
The 70s film that sparked a controversy was Kissa Kursi Ka. With the film throwing subtle references at the political system and corruption in the country, it was banned by the censors immediately. Moreover, all the prints and posters too were confiscated by the authorities.
Aandhi (1975)
A Gulzar's Film, its film posters showcasing a woman politician, the story was allegedly based on the life then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. The film was banned instantly. However, it was released on state-run television channel and was an instant hit!
Fire (1998)
Fire continues to remain as one of the most controversial films in India.The film created uproar on the first-day of its release and was resend to the censors.It was one of the first mainstream Bollywood films to explicitly show homosexual relations. After its 1998 release in India, certain groups staged several protests, setting off a flurry of public dialogue around issues such as homosexuality and freedom of speech.
Black Friday (2005)
The film was blocked by the censors, fearing pandemonium in the nation. Moreover, it had to undergo various screenings before it saw its release in 2007.Black Friday narrates one of the most horrific events in the history of Mumbai – The 1992-93 riots and bombings.
Water (2005)
After several controversies surrounding the film in India, the Indian censor boards cleared the film with a "U" certificate. It was released in India on 9 March 2007.This movie showcases the difficult and simple lives of widows in ashrams. It hurt the feelings of Hindus which led to burning of posters of this movie on the ghats. Activist Arun Pathak also organised a suicide protest to stop the film production
My Name Is Khan (2010).
Directed by Karan Johar, produced by Hiroo Johar and Gauri Khan, and starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in lead roles..Before its release, the film generated a great deal of publicity for itself due to three main reasons: first, the multiple political controversies surrounding the film and its lead actor.After Shahrukh Khan (who owns the Kolkata Knight Riders cricket team) criticised the fact that members of the Pakistani Cricket Team were not bought by the clubs competing in the 2010 Indian Premier League (IPL), he was condemned by Shiv Sena, a Hindu nationalist political party. There were consequent protests and demonstrations against him and demands that cinemas in India refuse to screen My Name Is Khan.
Parzania (2007)
The film is inspired by the true story of a ten-year-old Parsi boy, Azhar Mody, played in the film as Parzaan Pithawala in the film, who disappeared after the 28 February 2002 Gulbarg Society massacre during which 69 people were killed and which was one of many events in the communal riots in Gujarat in 2002.
Aakarshan (2011)
The film is a socio-political drama based on the controversial policy of caste based reservations in Indian government jobs and educational institutions.This film touched the sensitive nerves of some people when it portrayed the caste based reservation system in India. As a result, the movie was banned in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh before its release. The ban from Uttar Pradesh was later lifted by the Supreme Court
