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From The Kerala Story 2 to Padmavat: Films that were caught in controversy before release
In India, several films have faced significant backlash—ranging from title changes to legal battles—before they could hit the big screen. In 2026, the trend continues with highly anticipated sequels and new releases.
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The Kerala Story 2 The sequel to the controversial The Kerala Story has already sparked debate ahead of release, with critics — including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan — calling the trailer “false propaganda.”
2/12
Ghooskhor Pandat
The controversy surrounding the upcoming film tentatively titled Ghooskhor Pandat (produced in association with Netflix India) centers on allegations that the title and content are defamatory toward the Brahmin community, linking them to corruption. The Supreme Court of India strongly objected to the title, demanding it be changed before release. Now the makers have withdrawn the title name.
The controversy surrounding the upcoming film tentatively titled Ghooskhor Pandat (produced in association with Netflix India) centers on allegations that the title and content are defamatory toward the Brahmin community, linking them to corruption. The Supreme Court of India strongly objected to the title, demanding it be changed before release. Now the makers have withdrawn the title name.
3/12
Samrat Prithviraj
The Akshay Kumar-starrer was initially titled Prithviraj and courted controversy over its depiction of the 12th-century ruler’s caste and lineage. Objections from community groups led the makers to rename it Samrat Prithviraj just before release, with assurances the film was caste-neutral.
The Akshay Kumar-starrer was initially titled Prithviraj and courted controversy over its depiction of the 12th-century ruler’s caste and lineage. Objections from community groups led the makers to rename it Samrat Prithviraj just before release, with assurances the film was caste-neutral.
4/12
Gangubai Kathiawadi
Based on Mafia Queens of Mumbai, the Alia Bhatt film drew multiple pre-release objections. A petitioner claimed it defamed Gangubai, while representatives of Kamathipura objected to how the area was portrayed.
Based on Mafia Queens of Mumbai, the Alia Bhatt film drew multiple pre-release objections. A petitioner claimed it defamed Gangubai, while representatives of Kamathipura objected to how the area was portrayed.
5/12
Padmaavat
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s historical epic faced some of the most intense protests in Bollywood history, including vandalism and threats from Karni Sena activists. Its original title Padmavati was changed and the Supreme Court had to intervene amidst bans and violent opposition.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s historical epic faced some of the most intense protests in Bollywood history, including vandalism and threats from Karni Sena activists. Its original title Padmavati was changed and the Supreme Court had to intervene amidst bans and violent opposition.
6/12
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
The film ran into controversy after the Uri attacks, as the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) objected to the presence of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and demanded a ban on films featuring Pakistani artists.
The film ran into controversy after the Uri attacks, as the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) objected to the presence of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan and demanded a ban on films featuring Pakistani artists.
7/12
Jodhaa Akbar
The Hrithik Roshan–Aishwarya Rai Bachchan historical was attacked by fringe groups before release for allegedly distorting history and misrepresenting Jodhaa Bai’s identity, leading to blocked screenings in parts of Rajasthan.
The Hrithik Roshan–Aishwarya Rai Bachchan historical was attacked by fringe groups before release for allegedly distorting history and misrepresenting Jodhaa Bai’s identity, leading to blocked screenings in parts of Rajasthan.
8/12
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela
Originally titled Ram-Leela, the film’s name was changed after groups claimed it hurt Hindu sentiments and demanded a change.
Originally titled Ram-Leela, the film’s name was changed after groups claimed it hurt Hindu sentiments and demanded a change.
9/12
Pathaan
The Shah Rukh Khan thriller faced backlash and boycott calls over the colour of a costume in one of its songs, sparking online outrage.
The Shah Rukh Khan thriller faced backlash and boycott calls over the colour of a costume in one of its songs, sparking online outrage.
10/12
My Name Is Khan
The film faced protests in Maharashtra after star Shah Rukh Khan’s remarks on Pakistani cricketers drew political fire and calls for backlash.
The film faced protests in Maharashtra after star Shah Rukh Khan’s remarks on Pakistani cricketers drew political fire and calls for backlash.
11/12
Udta Punjab
The movie clashed with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over its unfiltered portrayal of drug abuse in Punjab, leading to edits and legal fights.
The movie clashed with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) over its unfiltered portrayal of drug abuse in Punjab, leading to edits and legal fights.
12/12
Laxmii
Originally titled Laxmmi Bomb, the film’s name was changed after Hindu organisations criticised it for disrespecting the Goddess Laxmi.
Originally titled Laxmmi Bomb, the film’s name was changed after Hindu organisations criticised it for disrespecting the Goddess Laxmi.
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