Bollywood and controversies go hand in hand

Game plan

Over the years, many bold and controversial directors have made equally controversial movies. While some were genuinely focused on the problem, the others were there just for titillation and cheap popularity for themselves and their movies.

Nevertheless, the directors have not shied away from their social duties and have raised public consciousness towards the social-ills plaguing the society. Although not sure how far the society has reformed with these films but one controversy dies and ten more take shape. Latest in this series was the much-talked-about film Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, starring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. But, after all talks and court cases the film got released and is earning enough moolah.

Madras Cafe was one such example. Set against the backdrop of Sri Lankan civil war, it represented the assassination of former Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi which happened in 1991. The movie came under the scanner after Tamil activists alleged that it depicted the LTTE cadres in a negative manner. The film was not released in Tamil Nadu due to security concerns.

Another film Vishwaroopam too faced the ire of muslim groups. Muslims in Tamil Nadu demanded the ban of the film and claimed that the film would hurt muslim sentiments. Although the film was cleared by Central Board of Film Certification of India, theatre owners in Tamil Nadu were asked not to screen the film, citing law and order problems, however the film released in other states with greater muslim populations than in Tamil Nadu. But, are these controversies genuine or are just created for gaining ‘free’ publicity/curiosity amongt the masses?

Like Anuj Tyagi, a filmmaker,says, “All these are very smart directors. They have literally grown up in the industry and know all tactics of the trade. They know what kind of treatment is needed for a film from the very first day. If they know that some scenes will affect the film, they won’t shoot them in the very first place. These directors know the grammar of cinema, they know the censor board and they know what are the scenes that have to be deleted and if they don’t, it means these are a part of marketing strategy.”

While a simple film like Oh My God! too had to face the criticism of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad. According to them, the film ridiculed their religion’s deity and attacked the age-old rituals and beliefs. But, at last the film was released ‘uncut’ and was one of the biggest hits of 2012.

On the other hand, defending their stance, one of the assistant directors of Ram-Leela, says, “All these controversies definitely benefit a film, but ours was a genuine case as I too got at least 15-20 calls each day about banning the film. The Jadeja and Rabadi communities had issues with the film, but later we changed it to Rajadi and Sanera.”
But, all said and done, at last the beneficiaries are the directors and the producers!