Cinemas presents glimpse of social norms where social and cultural values are presented in the form of films. But in the recent years, few Bollywood producers and directors had to face difficulties in presenting a new idea on the big screen.
But even then, their efforts were praised by the analysts and serious people as they tried to present the bitter realities of the society while it is difficult even to talk about these things. There are several films of Bollywood whose daring topic became reason for a conflict and many people criticized on the film.
One of them was the Mr. Perfect’s last year released film “PK” which had to face opposition even after the release of its poster while the opposition increased after the release of film in cinemas as social superstitions were presented in a film in a different style. Hindu groups demanded ban on the film while cinemas in different cities were also stormed. Even a BJP leader blamed that the investment for this film came from Pakistan. But all these immoral activities could not prevent the film to be the most successful film of year 2014.
Ram Leela
Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone’s film “Ram-Leela” had to face problems when a court stopped the release of film due to the scenes of immorality and violence in the films which were against the religious sentiments of Hindus. Later, the court took back the decision of its ban and it became one of the most earning films of 2013.
Madras Café
Sri Lankan civil war was presented in the John Abraham’s film “Madras Café” while the Tamil people were very annoyed at the release of this film as they blamed that ‘Tamil Tigers’ were presented in a very negative style in the film. This film was not released in Tamil Nadu due to security reasons.
Aarakshan
Few Dillat groups protested on giving the role of a Dalit to Saif Ali Khan. They said that Saif Ali Khan belongs to a royal family and it insulting for them to see him in the role of a Dalit. This film was banned in Punjab, UP and Andhra Pradesh so that local groups may not get furious.
Vishwaroopam
Actor Kamal Haasan’s film “Vishwaroopam” had to face difficulties when citizens of Tamil Nadu and Muslim groups demanded ban on the film for harming the religious sentiments. Cinema owners were also asked not to show the film but the film released in the whole country including Tamil Nadu and also achieved success.
Oh My God
Religious superstition was badly criticized in Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal’s film “Oh My God” while old customs and beliefs were also opposed in this film. Extremist organizations protested against the film and demanded ban. But the critics and people liked the film a lot and it was one of the big films of 2012.
My Name is Khan
This super hit film of Shahrukh Khan face political conflicts on its release. In the beginning, the information of Shahrukh being badly treated by emigration personnel came on which India severely protested from American government while the film achieved fame. Apart from that, Hindu party Shiv Sena also protested against the film due to its support for Pakistani cricketers. They burned the posters of the film and attacked cinema houses.
Jodha Akbar
The Rajput people of Rajasthan blocked the Hrithik Roshan’s film “Jodhaa Akbar”. They blamed that director presented wrong history in the film. According to them, Jodhaa was the daughter of Mewar’s Raja Odhay Singh while she was married to Akbar’s son Saleem instead of Akbar himself.
Wake up Sid
Ranbir Kapoor’s film “Wake Up Sid” had to face problems when Mumbai was spelled as Bombay. Extremist organization of Maharashtra, MNS, protested against this due to which filmmaker karan Johar had to apology organization’s head Raj Thackeray. A notification was also included in the beginning of the film.
Black Friday
The idea of a novel ‘Black Friday’ was presented in the film “Black Friday”, written and directed by Anurag Kashyap. Its story was based on the true story of ‘Bombay Bombings’ of 1993 but the film could not be released for two years due to severe disagreements.
Water
The life of widows in India was shown in the Deepa Mehta’s film “Water” while there was blame of harming Hindu sentiments on the film. Shiv Sena burned the DVDs of this film and they also threatened the shopkeepers not to sell DVDs in any case.
Bandit Queen
Shekhar Kapur’s film “Bandit Queen” was criticized after initial praise. This film, based on the life of a bandit Phoolan Devi, was badly criticized for immoral and violent scenes due to which it was also banned. Phoolan Devi tried himself to stop the release of film through court.
Aandhi
Gulzar’s film “Aandhi” was banned by Indian PM Indira Gandhi during emergency when there were reports that the life of Indira Gandhi was presented in the film. But Congress lost elections of 1977 after which new government of Janata party cleared the film for release and also presented it on the government TV channel.
