MUMBAI: Releasing a film in India isn’t always just about creative vision; sometimes it's a high-stakes battle that unfolds far beyond the edit room. Filmmakers must navigate a maze of public sentiment, political pressure, legal challenges, and certification hurdles that can stall, reshape, or even threaten a project’s existence. From protests and social media outrage to last-minute cuts demanded by the censor board, many films face unexpected obstacles that test the resilience of their creators.
Here are five Hindi films that faced significant roadblocks before finally reaching theatres:
The Bengal Files (ZEE5)
Vivek Agnihotri’s historical drama triggered intense political debate due to its portrayal of real events and characters. The film faced repeated objections from groups questioning its accuracy and intent, leading to certification delays and demands for edits. Its release was pushed multiple times as protests, legal notices, and calls for a ban mounted. The censor board reportedly took extra time reviewing the film. Only after extensive discussions and minor modifications did The Bengal Files finally make it to theatres. Now, with its world digital premiere on ZEE5, the film is reaching audiences across the country and beyond, ensuring the story reaches every viewer it was meant to.
Adipurush (Amazon Prime Video)
The retelling of the Ramayana came under fire for its dialogues, modernised depictions, and CGI-driven character design, particularly of Lord Hanuman and Ravana. Millions debated the creative liberties taken with revered mythological figures. Following trailer backlash, the makers were forced to rework several elements. After release, massive protests and FIRs across states demanded changes, prompting the team to re-edit dialogues even after the film hit theatres.
Chhapak (JioHotstar)
Meghna Gulzar’s film, based on the real-life story of acid-attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, became a political flashpoint after Deepika Padukone visited a student protest site. The film was suddenly drawn into national political discourse. Following the controversy, the film faced calls for boycotts, protests outside theatres, and legal petitions challenging its portrayal of key individuals. Some states demanded additional disclaimers, and security had to be beefed up at multiple cinema halls during release.
Udta Punjab (Netflix)
Abhishek Chaubey’s gritty look at Punjab’s drug crisis clashed with the then Censor Board leadership, which demanded nearly 90 cuts, removal of expletives, and even deletion of the word “Punjab.”The makers took the fight to the Bombay High Court, which ruled in the film’s favour, allowing it to release with only one cut. The legal battle became a national conversation about censorship versus artistic freedom.
Maharaj (Netflix)
Based on the historic Maharaj Libel Case, the film stirred intense debate due to its depiction of religious figures and allegations of offending community sentiments, especially after the trailer created a social media storm. A last-minute stay order halted its scheduled release, leading to a prolonged legal battle. The film was allowed to stream only after the court reviewed the content and cleared it, but conversations around censorship and religious sensitivity continued to overshadow the release.
Every file has secrets. This one can’t be ignored. Watch The Bengal Files on ZEE5 today.
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