Bollywood has long been a canvas for storytelling, often reflecting the diverse and dynamic culture of India. However, the industry’s attempt to tackle sensitive and provocative themes has sometimes resulted in fierce debates and controversies. Recently, the release of Kangana Ranaut’s film *Emergency* has been postponed once again. Adding another layer to the ongoing discussion about Bollywood’s role in addressing contentious issues. This delay highlights the complex relationship between cinema, politics, and societal norms. Here, we delve into five of the most controversial Bollywood movies that have sparked intense debates and polarized audiences. 

5 most controversial Bollywood movies

The Kerala Stories 

The film “The Kerala Story” has been a subject of significant controversy and debate in India. Released in 2023, it purports to tell the story of 32,000 women from Kerala. Who were allegedly converted to Islam and recruited by ISIS. The film’s portrayal of these events has sparked heated discussions on several fronts such as political & religious.  

The Kashmir Files 

“The Kashmir Files,” a 2022 Indian film directed by Vivek Agnihotri, has been at the center of significant controversy and debate. The film portrays the exodus and persecution of Kashmiri Pandits during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was a period marked by violent insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. The main aspects of the controversy surrounding the film are historical and religious aspects. “The Kashmir Files” highlights the challenges and sensitivities involved in addressing historical and political issues. Its controversy reflects broader societal debates in India. 

Batla House 

“Batla House,” a 2019 film directed by Nikkhil Advani. It is a Bollywood drama that delves into the aftermath of the Batla House encounter, a real-life police operation that took place in 2008 in Delhi. The film stars John Abraham as a police officer involved in the encounter. Which was a significant and controversial event in Indian law enforcement history. The Batla House encounter involved a shootout between the police and alleged terrorists in the Batla House area of Delhi. The police claimed they were targeting members of the Indian Mujahideen (IM), a banned terrorist organization. However, the encounter was contested by some as being staged or problematic. The film portrays the encounter as a heroic police operation, which has led to accusations that it presents a one-sided narrative. 

Padmavat 

“Padmaavat,” a 2018 film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, was one of the most controversial films in recent Indian cinema. Based on the epic poem “Padmavat” by Malik Muhammad Jayasi. It stars Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh. The film was accused of distorting historical facts and misrepresenting cultural and religious aspects of the Rajput community. Some Rajput groups claimed that the film depicted historical figures and events in a way that was disrespectful and offensive to their heritage. 

Udta Punjab 

“Udta Punjab,” a 2016 film directed by Abhishek Chaubey, is another example of a film that sparked significant controversy. The film, which stars Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Diljit Dosanjh, deals with the issue of drug abuse in Punjab, India. The film faced a protracted battle with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over its content. The CBFC initially demanded numerous cuts and changes, citing concerns over the portrayal of drug use and the potential for the film to harm the image of Punjab. The filmmakers and the film’s producers, including Anurag Kashyap, argued that these demands were excessive and infringed on their creative freedom. 

The controversies surrounding these Bollywood films underscore the challenges filmmakers face when tackling sensitive subjects. As the postponement of Kangana Ranaut’s *Emergency* continues to make headlines, it is a reminder of the complex interplay between cinema, politics, and societal values. Each of these films has left an indelible mark on the Indian film industry and sparked crucial conversations about freedom of expression, historical memory, and cultural sensitivity. As Bollywood continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how future films navigate these contentious issues and contribute to the ongoing dialogue in Indian society.