Controversies in Bollywood that helped the films do well

‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela

The movie ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’ was embroiled in a controversy over the title which was earlier kept only ‘Ram Leela’. The term ‘Ramlila’ ”has been historically associated with the plays depicting the life of Hindu god Ram and hence the title of the movie was altered from ‘Ram Leela’ to ‘Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’. The movie was a super-hit at the box office and it only consolidated Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone’s position in the industry, earning them the top spot.

Haider

The movie ‘Haider’ that released in the year 2014 showed the controversial side of the Indian Army. The movie is set in Indian-administered Kashmir and it was mired in controversies regarding the subject which allegedly portrayed the Indian Army in a poor light. Although, the film earned critical acclaim and was also appreciated for its performance by actors Shahid Kapoor, Kay Kay Menon and Tabu.

Bajirao Mastani

This magnum opus was in the news for misrepresenting the historical characters. The song ‘Pinga’ was criticized for showing the characters of ‘Mastani’ and ‘Kashibai’ doing a lavani dance when in reality ‘Kashibai’ was suffering from an arthritis-like ailment at a very young age and was bed-ridden for most of her life. Although many of the facts stated in the movie were not accurate and were fictional, the movie still went on to become the biggest hit of the year and also bagged Filmfare awards and also the National award.

OMG Oh My God!

The movie ‘OMG-Oh My God’ which released in the year 2012 faced backlash from Bajrangi Dal and Hindustan Shiv Sena activists for hurting religious sentiments. The movie generated controversy over depiction of Hindu Gods and Indian spiritual traditions. In spite of all the controversies around the movie, it still struck a chord with the masses and earned widespread acclaim. The film also won a Filmfare award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

PK

Aamir Khan starrer ‘PK’ directed by Rajkumar Hirani was in the news for defaming Hindu culture and religious practices. It also invited the wrath of Baba Ramdev who called for a social boycott of those involved in the making of the film. Although, the film on release was hugely appreciated for its storyline and execution. Even though it drew some similarities to the movie ‘OMG Oh My God!’ which was also in controversies, the Aamir Khan starrer ranks as the 70th highest-grossing film of 2014 worldwide and also received many awards.

Udta Punjab

This movie should definitely top the list. Right from the Censor Board's demand of 89 cuts to removal of the word 'Punjab' from the title, to High Court's clearance on the movie with one cut and an 'A' certificate and the recent online leak of the print, this movie has hugely benefited from all the chaos and controversies that it has been a part of. The controversies have only helped the movie and created curiosity among movie goers.