From 'The Kerala Story' to 'Pathaan': 12 Indian films that faced massive controversy before release

Pre-release storms that shaped Indian cinema

Few films enter the marquee without a ripple, but some face a full-blown storm before a single frame is screened. From The Kerala Story to Pathaan, a dozen Indian productions have weathered massive controversies, turning their release dates into battlegrounds of public opinion, politics, and legal wrangling.

The Times of India recently catalogued 12 such films, highlighting how pre-release turmoil has become a recurring theme in the industry. These disputes often stem from religious sensitivities, historical interpretations, or political allegiances, and they rarely end with the film itself.

The Kerala Story: A flashpoint of claims and counterclaims

No recent film has polarised audiences quite like The Kerala Story. The 2023 release, directed by Sudipto Sen, claimed to depict the forced conversion and radicalisation of women in Kerala. The film's trailer alone triggered protests, with critics alleging it distorted facts and promoted a divisive narrative.

The controversy escalated to legal challenges and bans in several states, including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. The Supreme Court eventually refused to stay the bans, but the film's producers maintained that the story was based on real events. The dispute only intensified public curiosity, and the film grossed over Rs 240 crore worldwide, a figure that stunned many analysts.

Pathaan: A song, a protest, and a box-office juggernaut

Shah Rukh Khan's 2023 spy thriller Pathaan faced a different kind of firestorm. The song 'Besharam Rang', featuring Deepika Padukone in a saffron-coloured bikini, drew the ire of Hindu right-wing groups, who called it an insult to the colour's religious significance. Protests erupted in multiple states, and a BJP leader even threatened to halt the film's release.

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) eventually cleared the film after modifications, including a change in the song's picturisation. But the controversy did not hurt the film's prospects. Pathaan became one of the highest-grossing Hindi films ever, earning over Rs 1,000 crore globally. The episode underscored how pre-release noise can sometimes translate into unprecedented box-office numbers.

Other films in the crosshairs

The list from The Times of India includes several other notable titles. Padmaavat, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2018 epic, faced violent protests from the Karni Sena, who objected to the portrayal of Rani Padmini. The film was temporarily banned in multiple states, and Bhansali himself was assaulted on set.

Sanju, the 2018 biopic on Sanjay Dutt, drew criticism for allegedly whitewashing the actor's criminal past. Udta Punjab faced a CBFC battle over its depiction of drug abuse in Punjab. Article 15, based on caste atrocities, was accused of being a propaganda piece. Even films like Kabir Singh and Gangubai Kathiawadi found themselves in the middle of debates about misogyny and glorification of crime.

Each of these films navigated the controversy differently. Some edited scenes, others fought in court, and a few simply rode the wave of public discourse. What unites them is the pattern: controversy often precedes success, but it also exposes the fault lines in Indian society.

The economics of outrage

Industry insiders have long noted that controversy can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it generates free publicity, often leading to higher advance bookings. On the other, it risks bans, delays, and financial losses.

For instance, The Kerala Story saw a delayed release in some regions, and its producers had to spend heavily on legal fees. Yet, the film's eventual earnings dwarfed its production budget. Similarly, Pathaan faced a brief ban in some states, but the hype around the protest arguably amplified its opening weekend collections.

This dynamic has led some filmmakers to court controversy deliberately, while others try to avoid it at all costs. The line between genuine artistic expression and calculated provocation has become increasingly blurred.

What lies ahead

As the industry moves forward, the pattern is unlikely to fade. With social media amplifying every grievance, filmmakers must now contend with a hyper-vigilant audience and pressure groups. The question is no longer whether a film will face controversy, but how it will manage the fallout.

For audiences, the takeaway is simple: the pre-release noise is often as much a part of the show as the film itself. The next big release will inevitably test this dynamic again, and the industry will be watching closely.