10 Controversial Films are Coming 2023: “The Kerala Story” has become a remarkable success and a shining example for Bollywood. However, along with this success, the film has also stirred up controversies, bringing politics into the limelight. The series of controversial films that spark heated debates is not going to end anytime soon. Here is a list of films that could generate controversies in the coming months.
The first six months of the year have passed, and during this time, Bollywood films have been involved in significant controversies. From Rajkummar Rao’s film “Bheed” released in March to Prabhas’ recent film “Adipurush,” controversies surrounding films have consistently made headlines, from news articles to social media discussions. The controversies surrounding Ada Sharma’s “The Kerala Story” lasted an entire season, and even after one and a half months since its release, new controversies related to the film continue to emerge. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Prabhas’ “Adipurush” has become so significant that it led to protests against the film in theaters.
In all the controversies surrounding these films, one interesting thing happened, which was that politics played a significant role. In fact, it would be more accurate to say that in recent times, there have been fewer controversies related to the moral or social positions of films and more political disputes. There was a time when film controversies revolved around promoting corrupt moral behavior, bold content, or violence (not that this was correct either). However, the controversy surrounding Shahrukh Khan’s record-breaking blockbuster ‘Pathan’ was not about Deepika Padukone wearing a bikini, but rather about the color of the bikini. And without wasting any time, this controversy was dragged into the alleys of politics. Whether it was the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the center or the opposition parties like Congress and Samajwadi Party… Leaders from all sides made fiery statements on the ‘Pathan’ controversy.
These 10 Controversial Films are Coming 2023
The public also took a strong stand on controversial films on social media, considering their limited political capacity. However, this tug-of-war has also affected the mood of many people to watch movies. But these film controversies are not going to leave your reality syllabus so soon. If you enjoy scanning controversial films on social media, then it’s good news for you. And if it affects your vibe, then warning! In the next few months, Bollywood is coming up with several projects that have the complete zeal to ignite fierce competition in the arena of controversies. Let’s talk about these films:
1. Gadar 2
Sunny Deol has not been as successful in the past decade as many actors of his era still are. However, ‘Gadar 2’ is considered to be the film that can change Sunny’s career. Released in 2001, ‘Gadar’ is still one of India’s most successful films. Its box office records have been difficult to surpass in these 22 years. Therefore, the public eagerly awaits ‘Gadar 2’. However, controversies surrounding a part of this film have already begun since the shooting phase.
The team of ‘Gadar 2’ had shot at Gurudwara Shri Kuhni Sahib in Panchkula. However, the management committee of the Gurudwara accused the filmmakers of seeking permission for shooting a Baisakhi sequence but actors inside the Gurudwara were seen doing something ‘inappropriate’. The makers stated that the actors were seen ‘kissing and defecating’ inside the Gurudwara, causing hurt to their sentiments.
Only the teaser of ‘Gadar 2’ has been released so far, and after seeing it, people anticipate that it might make controversial comments on a specific religion under the pretext of showing a fictional story in Pakistan. However, whether this is true or not will only be known after the film is released. Sunny Deol himself is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In such a scenario, any controversy related to ‘Gadar 2’ will not remain far from the corridors of politics.
2. 72 Hoorain
The teaser of National Award-winning director Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan’s film was released some time ago. This teaser video features images and statements of several terrorists such as Osama bin Laden, Ajmal Kasab, Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed, and Yakub Memon. After watching it, many people on social media accused it of being a propaganda film. The allegations also claimed that its story could exacerbate communal tensions. The film is set to release on July 7th, and the makers have expressed their intention to release it in 10 languages.
3. Emergency
Kangana Ranaut is not only playing the lead role but also directing the film “Emergency.” The teaser of this film, scheduled to be released in November, was recently unveiled. The teaser poses a question, “PM or Dictator?” This film, which portrays a story connected to the life of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, has sparked several questions. The period of the Emergency, a chapter that has always been controversial, is depicted in this film. It is set to hit theaters on November 24th, and controversy surrounding the film has been anticipated even before its release.
4. OMG 2
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar’s film “OMG” was a powerful satire. After its success, the makers decided to create a sequel to the film. In the first film, Akshay portrayed the role of Lord Krishna. In the posters of OMG 2, he is seen in the getup of Lord Shiva. When he shared the film’s posters in 2021, social media users immediately began criticizing these posters.
People have accused that Akshay portraying the role of Lord Shiva hurts their religious sentiments. Several pictures from the film’s set were also released where Akshay was seen in the attire of Lord Shiva. In 2022, Akshay faced strong opposition for his film “Prithviraj.” In such circumstances, Akshay’s portrayal in OMG 2 has the potential to generate controversy. The film is set to release in theaters on August 11th.
5. Bastar
The makers of “The Kerala Story” recently announced their next film titled “Bastar” on June 26th. Director Sudipto Sen shared the film’s poster and wrote, “In Dantewada, Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, in the village of Chintalner, 76 CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) soldiers and 8 unarmed villagers lost their lives in the bloodiest attack by terrorists. Poetic justice will be served after exactly 14 years.” The Dantewada region of Chhattisgarh has been greatly affected by Naxalite activities, and Naxalism itself remains a highly controversial political issue. The involvement of the makers of “The Kerala Story” in this story is bound to invite controversies and spark debates.
6. Tipu
In an interview given after the controversy, director Pavan Sharma of “Tipu” stated, “Whatever was taught to us about Tipu Sultan in schools is incorrect information.” He also referred to Tipu Sultan as the “Hitler” of his era. The release of “Tipu” has been announced for this year, and it seems highly unlikely that the controversy surrounding it will subside easily.
7. Godhra
At the end of May, the teaser of the film “Godhra” directed by M.K. Shivaksh was released. The incident of setting fire to the S6 coach of the Sabarmati Express at the Godhra railway station in 2002, followed by the subsequent riots, remains one of the most controversial political issues even today. The teaser of “Godhra” raises the question about this incident – “Accident or Conspiracy?” The release date of this film based on the Godhra incident has not been announced yet, but it has been mentioned to be released “soon.” It is nearly impossible for a film made on this topic to avoid controversy and not get entangled in politics.
8. The Vaccine War
The makers of “The Kashmir Files” are working on their next film during the COVID era, which revolves around the race to discover a vaccine during the pandemic. This film will highlight the search for the COVID-19 vaccine in India. The quest for the vaccine and the entire process of COVID vaccination became a highly debated political issue. In such circumstances, it is challenging for the film to refrain from commenting on those who oppose this debate. Director Vivek Agnihotri has already made some bold comments in his previous films, which have sparked controversies. Whether it’s “The Tashkent Files” or “The Kashmir Files,” he has been known to stir up discussions.
9. The India House
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, also known as Veer Savarkar, is one of the most discussed and controversial figures in the history and politics of India. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) considers him as their ideal, while there is also a political faction that opposes his ideology. Telugu industry star Nikhil Siddhartha’s film is based on the story of that India House, where Savarkar gave it a new dimension while residing in London. He believed in bringing about a revolution through weapons and started teaching the techniques of making bombs to the revolutionaries associated with India House. “The India House” is the story of that era, and it is impossible for the weight of the film to be without the character of Savarkar. Controversy was bound to arise with the inclusion of Savarkar’s name in the film. This movie is scheduled to be released in theaters on August 12, 2023.
10. Swatantra Veer Savarkar
The film “The India House” could become a part of political controversy due to the inclusion of Savarkar’s name, and Ranbir Hudda is bringing his biopic. He is not only playing the lead role in the film but also directing it. The teaser of “Swatantrya Veer Savarkar” was released a few days ago, and the public was highly impressed with Hudda’s work. However, due to a few lines written in the teaser, there was a debate about it on social media. In the teaser of the film, the makers claimed that Bhagat Singh, Khudiram Bose, and Subhash Chandra Bose were inspired by Savarkar. While people expressed surprise at this claim, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s family criticized the makers for making such a statement.
There will be Lok Sabha elections in the country around mid-2024. Most of the films we discussed earlier have been announced for release by April 2024. The films whose release dates have not been announced yet are also indicating that they will be ready for release from April to May. These films have a good chance of benefiting from the heated election atmosphere. However, it is almost certain that these films will also raise the temperature of the already simmering election environment.
