As the curtain falls on 2023, the film industry finds itself marked by
controversies that have sparked debates and discussions throughout the
year. Here's a recap of the notable controversies that stirred the
cinematic landscape:
Animal:
Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Animal," starring Ranbir Kapoor and Rashmika
Mandanna, faced criticism for its problematic portrayal of women. The
film triggered discussions in the Rajya Sabha, labeled as a societal
ailment. Speculations arose about the removal of the CEO of the Censor
Board of Film Certification, Ravinder Bhakar, linked to the film's
impact.
Baby:
The release of the poster for the small-budget film "Baby" caused an
uproar due to offensive imagery, featuring a man displaying an
offensive gesture while the female lead stood in a posed manner.
Adipurush:
Despite high anticipation, "Adipurush" faced severe backlash for
lackluster performances, poor screenplay, disrespectful dialogues, and
subpar VFX. Iconic cast members from Ramanand Sagar's Ramayana openly
criticized the film, leading to a petition seeking certificate
revocation (later dismissed by the Supreme Court).
The Kerala Story:
Accused of presenting a one-sided narrative and distorting facts, "The
Kerala Story" faced allegations of being a propaganda film, stirring
debates about responsible storytelling.
Deep Fake Video:
The rise of "deep fakes" targeting prominent actors, primarily women,
caused alarm within the industry. Influential figures raised concerns,
prompting calls for preventive measures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
addressed the issue, emphasizing the need for investigation and
corrective action.
Trisha - Mansoor Ali Khan:
The success of "Leo" was overshadowed by controversy as Mansoor Ali
Khan's comments glorifying misogyny and rape culture sparked outrage.
A police complaint filed by the National Women's Commission led to
Trisha responding with grace, opting for forgiveness after a
lackluster apology from Mansoor.
Deepika Padukone on Koffee with Karan:
The appearance of Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh on "Koffee with
Karan 8" stirred controversy when Deepika's statement about her
initial involvement with other men caused public uproar, suggesting
she used Ranveer as a backup option.
As the industry navigates these controversies, the hope is that
lessons will be learned, discussions will lead to positive change, and
2024 will see a more mindful and inclusive cinematic landscape.
