Bollywood Movies That Sparked Vulgarity Backlash

Bollywood has often pushed the boundaries of storytelling, but several films have faced significant backlash for their explicit content, leading to debates about morality, censorship, and creative freedom. Here’s a look at some notable Bollywood movies that ignited controversies due to their portrayal of vulgarity.

1: Jism 2 Faced Protests Over Explicit Content

Released in 2012, Jism 2 featured adult film star Sunny Leone in her Bollywood debut. The film’s bold scenes and promotional materials led to widespread protests across India. Organizations like the Bajrang Dal and the National Students Union of India staged demonstrations, burning effigies and tearing down posters. Legal actions were also initiated to ban the film, accusing it of promoting pornography and degrading Indian culture.

2: Veere Di Wedding Criticized for Bold Female Portrayals

Veere Di Wedding (2018) stirred controversy for its candid depiction of female sexuality and independence. A particular scene featuring Swara Bhasker’s character engaging in self-pleasure drew significant criticism. The film’s portrayal of women discussing topics like premarital sex and using explicit language challenged traditional norms, leading to debates about decency and women’s representation in Indian cinema.

3: Lipstick Under My Burkha Faced Censorship Hurdles

Alankrita Shrivastava’s Lipstick Under My Burkha (2017) faced initial rejection from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for being “lady-oriented” and containing “sexual scenes and abusive words.” The film, which delves into the secret lives and desires of four women, was later cleared with an ‘A’ certificate after public outcry and support from the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal. Despite the hurdles, it garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.

4: Hate Story 2’s Trailer Sparked Objections

Hate Story 2 (2014), an erotic thriller, faced objections from the CBFC regarding its trailer and promotional content. The explicit scenes led to certain portions being edited for television broadcasts. Additionally, comedian Kapil Sharma declined to promote the film on his family-oriented show, citing its adult content as inappropriate for his audience.

5: Nishabd’s Theme Stirred Moral Debates

Nishabd (2007), starring Amitabh Bachchan and Jiah Khan, explored the controversial theme of a middle-aged man’s infatuation with a teenage girl. The film faced criticism for its subject matter, with political parties like the Congress deeming it against Indian values. It was banned in certain regions, including Allahabad, sparking discussions about the limits of artistic expression.

6: Parched’s Leaked Scene Caused Uproar

Parched (2015), a film highlighting the struggles of women in rural India, became controversial when a leaked intimate scene featuring Radhika Apte circulated online. The unauthorized release led to debates about privacy, consent, and the portrayal of female sexuality in cinema. Despite the controversy, the film was praised for its powerful narrative and performances.

7: Murder’s Bold Scenes Shocked Audiences

Mahesh Bhatt’s Murder (2004), featuring Emraan Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat, was one of the early Bollywood films to showcase explicit scenes. The film’s bold content surprised audiences and led to discussions about the increasing depiction of sexuality in mainstream Indian cinema. While it faced criticism, Murder was a commercial success and paved the way for more such films.

Conclusion

These films highlight the ongoing tension between creative freedom and societal norms in Bollywood. While some movies faced censorship and protests, others sparked essential conversations about representation, morality, and the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. As Bollywood continues to push boundaries, it remains to be seen how future films will navigate the fine line between artistic expression and public sensibilities.