L2: Empuraan And Other South Indian Films That Stirred Public Outrage

Mohanlal-starrer ‘Empuraan’ has drawn backlash from Hindu groups over scenes allegedly referencing the 2002 anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat. In response, the makers modified 24 scenes, and Mohanlal issued an apology via Facebook. Controversies surrounding films are nothing new. Here’s a look at some of the most prominent films that sparked outrage, leading to modifications, bans, or public outcry.

Vishwaroopam (2013)

This espionage thriller experienced a short-lived ban in Tamil Nadu following protests from Muslim groups over its depiction of their community. Kamal Haasan even contemplated leaving India in response to the backlash, but the film was ultimately released with slight modifications.

Karnan (2021) 

This socio-political film focused on caste oppression and sparked debate due to its portrayal of police violence and caste discrimination. Certain factions claimed the movie provoked violence, yet it received significant acclaim for its courageous storytelling and impactful performances.

Baby (2023) 

This romantic drama, centered on coming-of-age themes, faced backlash for how it represented female characters and moral issues. Although it achieved popularity with younger audiences, some groups claimed it endorsed unhealthy relationships and contained misogynistic elements.

Aruvi (2016) 

This highly praised film encountered backlash for its fearless examination of societal hypocrisy, religious doctrines, and media sensationalism. Various factions labeled it as anti-religious, yet it received widespread acclaim for its notable feminist themes.

Sarkar (2018) 

This film, featuring Vijay, encountered issues due to its political implications, supposedly aimed at the governing AIADMK party. Following political pressure, the contentious scenes in the movie were modified, and director A.R. Murugadoss faced legal threats due to his depiction of Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.

Jalsa (2008) 

This Pawan Kalyan film landed in controversy over a leaked censor copy before its release. Additionally, certain dialogues referring to political and social issues led to backlash from particular groups. However, it remained a box-office success.

Beast (2022)

This Tamil film, starring Thalapathy Vijay, garnered commercial success in theatres but faced a ban in Kuwait and Qatar. These countries banned the film because of the portrayal of Islamic individuals as extremists. This sparked the controversy surrounding the film.

FIR (2022)

This directorial debut of Manu Anand also landed in controversy due to its ban in countries like Kuwait, Malaysia, and Qatar. While the film boasts a noteworthy cast, its storyline and portrayal of characters led to the ban in these specific regions.