12 Indian Films That Faced Massive Controversy Before Release
Cinema in India frequently becomes a battleground for heated debates long before the opening credits roll. Films often face intense backlash over historical accuracy, religious sentiments, or political themes, triggering protests, legal battles, and social media storms. Interestingly, such controversies often amplify public curiosity, creating a paradoxical boost in anticipation. Here are twelve notable Indian films that encountered significant pre-release turbulence, shaping conversations about creative freedom and cultural sensitivity.
The Kerala Story: A Polarizing Exploration
Directed by Sudipto Sen and starring Adah Sharma, The Kerala Story follows three women allegedly lured into joining ISIS, exploring themes of forced conversion and radicalization. The film drew intense criticism over its initial claim that 32,000 women had disappeared from Kerala. Critics labeled it propaganda, while supporters praised its bold narrative. Several states considered banning it before the Supreme Court intervened, making it one of the most polarizing chapters in recent Indian cinema history.
Ghooskhor Pandat: Title Controversy on Netflix
This 2026 Netflix thriller by Ritesh Shah and Neeraj Pandey, starring Manoj Bajpayee as a corrupt officer, faced immediate backlash over its title. Many alleged that pairing “Pandat” with “Ghooskhor” was derogatory toward the Brahmin community. Following legal notices and protests, the producers agreed to change the title, clarifying it referred only to a character's colloquial nickname, highlighting how even digital releases aren't immune to cultural sensitivities.
Samrat Prithviraj: Historical Accuracy Debates
Starring Akshay Kumar and Manushi Chhillar, this historical drama directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi portrays King Prithviraj Chauhan's battle against Muhammad Ghori. The Karni Sena objected to the original title, Prithviraj, demanding inclusion of the royal honorific “Samrat.” They also raised concerns about historical accuracy and representation, leading the makers to revise the title to facilitate a smoother theatrical release.
Laxmii: Religious Sentiments and Title Changes
Originally titled Laxmmi Bomb, this horror-comedy directed by Raghava Lawrence and starring Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani faced objections for allegedly disrespecting Goddess Laxmi. Some groups accused the film of promoting “Love Jihad,” prompting the title to be shortened to Laxmii before its digital release. The film ultimately received mixed reviews, showing how title modifications can impact perception.
Padmaavat: Violent Protests and Vandalism
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor faced widespread protests. Groups like the Karni Sena alleged a romantic dream sequence between Queen Padmavati and Alauddin Khilji, which filmmakers denied. Violent demonstrations erupted, sets were vandalized, and the director was attacked. The title changed from Padmavati to Padmaavat before release, yet it became one of the highest-grossing films of its time.
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil: Cross-Border Tensions
Directed by Karan Johar and starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, this romantic drama faced controversy due to Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's casting. Amid heightened India-Pakistan political tensions, protests threatened its release. Johar issued a video statement promising not to collaborate with Pakistani talent in future projects, illustrating how international relations can influence cinema.
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela: Religious Terminology Issues
Originally titled Ram-Leela, this Sanjay Leela Bhansali film starring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone offended religious groups who believed it disrespected a sacred term. After legal challenges, the title was modified to Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. Despite the controversy, the tragic love story between rival clans became a commercial success, demonstrating audience resilience.
Jodhaa Akbar: Historical Portrayal Disputes
Ashutosh Gowariker's historical romance featuring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan faced protests from Rajput groups disputing the portrayal of Jodhaa Bai's marriage to Akbar. Screenings were blocked in certain regions, with critics accusing the film of taking historical liberties. Despite opposition, it received critical acclaim and won several awards, balancing controversy with artistic recognition.
Pathaan: Social Media Backlash and Boycott Calls
Directed by Siddharth Anand and starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham, this action thriller faced significant backlash over the song “Besharam Rang.” Protests focused on Deepika's saffron-colored outfit, leading to widespread boycott calls on social media. The CBFC recommended several edits before clearance. Upon release, it emerged as a blockbuster, marking a major comeback for Shah Rukh Khan.
My Name Is Khan: Political Comments and Protests
Karan Johar's drama starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol encountered protests after Khan commented on including Pakistani cricketers in the IPL. The Shiv Sena opposed its release in Mumbai, necessitating heavy police security at cinemas. Despite threats, the film opened to packed theatres and was widely appreciated for exploring identity and prejudice, showing how star statements can ignite controversy.
Udta Punjab: Censorship and Creative Freedom
Directed by Abhishek Chaubey and starring Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Kareena Kapoor Khan, this film delves into drug abuse in Punjab. The Central Board of Film Certification initially demanded 89 cuts and suggested dropping “Punjab” from the title, citing portrayal concerns. The Bombay High Court later cleared it with only one cut, describing it as important social commentary, a victory for creative freedom.
These twelve films illustrate how Indian cinema navigates a complex landscape of cultural, religious, and political sensitivities. While controversies can lead to protests and legal hurdles, they often fuel public interest, creating a unique dynamic where turbulence sometimes translates into box office success. The ongoing dialogue between filmmakers, censors, and audiences continues to shape the evolution of storytelling in India's vibrant film industry.
