As 2023 draws to a close, Bollywood reflects on a year marked by high-profile film releases, box office triumphs, and a series of controversies that captivated the nation’s attention. The Indian film industry’s rollercoaster year featured everything from record-breaking blockbusters to social media uproars, underscoring the powerful intersection of cinema, culture, and technology in modern India.
The tumult began with Shah Rukh Khan’s cinematic comeback ‘Pathaan,’ which was swiftly embroiled in a heated debate well before it graced the silver screens. At the center of this controversy was the film’s song ‘Besharam Rang,’ in which leading actress Deepika Padukone appeared wearing an orange bikini. While many fans celebrated Padukone’s stunning appearance, there was a palpable discomfort among certain groups regarding the actress’s choice of attire, triggering protests. The intensity of the public outcry prompted the censor board to call for edits to the controversial content.
Next in the spotlight was the much-anticipated epic, ‘Adipurush.’ This silver-screen adaptation of the ancient epic Ramayana was poised to dominate the box office with its stellar cast and grand visual effects. However, excitement quickly turned to disenchantment post-release as moviegoers lambasted the film for its underwhelming VFX, perceived disrespect in the portrayal of sacred characters, and controversial dialogue. Even the actors from the revered television series ‘Ramayana’ expressed displeasure over director Om Raut’s interpretation. Movie certification was nearly challenged in court, but the Supreme Court ultimately dismissed the petition to revoke it.
Another high-profile film caught in controversy was ‘OMG 2,’ headlined by Akshay Kumar. It faced an arduous journey with the Revision Committee, enduring an 11th-hour scrutiny that led to no fewer than 27 mandated edits, both auditory and visual. What truly stunned industry insiders, however, was the film receiving an ‘A’ certificate despite intentions for it to function as a sex education vehicle geared towards younger viewers.
Amidst these industry scandals, Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal,’ starring Ranbir Kapoor, too faced severe backlash. The film, portrayed by critics as misogynistic, was controversial enough, yet Vanga escalated the situation by dismissing his detractors as ‘illiterate.’ His comment sparked a broader discussion about the responsibility of filmmakers and the role of criticism in the creative process.
Additionally, the year witnessed a social media flare-up involving power couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. A seemingly innocent comment by Bhatt about her husband’s preference for her without lipstick ignited a social media firestorm, casting Kapoor as an emblem of control and repression. Both actors ultimately responded to calm the storm, with Bhatt downplaying the comment as a personal, inoffensive interaction.
Finally, Rashmika Mandanna, known for her role in ‘Goodbye’, was thrust into an undesirable spotlight when a deepfake video graphically personalizing her image surfaced online. This troubling misuse of artificial intelligence prompted both veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan and Mandanna herself to speak out against such nefarious technology applications, stressing the ethical perils in the digital age.
These incidents stand as a stark reminder of Bollywood’s complex landscape, rife with both triumphs and trials. While box office successes reflect the industry’s robust appeal, the controversies of 2023 highlight the need for meaningful dialogue about representation, technology, and social responsibility within Indian cinema. As the year ends, Bollywood looks ahead to a future where artistry can flourish free from conflict, and meaningful stories can be told without the shadow of outrage looming over them.
