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Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When words cost crores: How controversial comments by stars have derailed film releases in India
In India, where cinema is more than just entertainment, often treated with the reverence reserved for religion, actors and directors carry not just the weight of their artistry but also the burden of public responsibility. Over the years, a pattern has emerged: one controversial comment from a celebrity, and an entire film's release can face hurdles, bans, or boycotts. These aren't just skirmishes of opinion; they are flashpoints where politics, language, regional pride, and public sentiment converge, sometimes threatening to undo months and even years of filmmaking effort. The recent uproar surrounding 'Thug Life', Kamal Haasan's much-anticipated film directed by Mani Ratnam , is the latest chapter in this saga. The 'Thug Life' Row: A lesson in linguistic sensitivities In May 2025, Kamal Haasan's comments about the Kannada language and its roots sparked widespread outrage in Karnataka. Speaking at a public event, Haasan reportedly remarked, "Kannada is a derivative of Tamil and owes much of its classical structure to Tamil traditions," a statement many Kannadigas perceived as dismissive of their linguistic heritage. Pro-Kannada groups protested immediately, calling for a ban on 'Thug Life' in Karnataka. Despite the film's pan-Indian ambitions, with stars from multiple industries, including Trisha and Jayam Ravi, the controversy led to calls for a state-wide boycott. The Karnataka Film Chamber received multiple requests to stall the film's release until Haasan offered an apology. This isn't the first time an actor's or filmmaker's words have caused a film to hit a wall. Several previous examples highlight how statements off-screen can deeply impact what unfolds on it. When Ranveer Singh was asked about 'Padmavati' controversy Past controversies that disrupted film releases 1. Aamir Khan and 'PK' / 'Dangal' In 2015, Aamir Khan's comment about rising "intolerance" in India during an interview at the Ramnath Goenka Awards sparked political fury. He said: 'As an individual, as part of this country, I am alarmed. I am afraid for my children.' His remark was met with boycott campaigns against his then-upcoming films 'Dangal' and 'PK', with some theatre owners refusing to screen his films in select regions. Although 'Dangal' eventually performed phenomenally well, the backlash highlighted the fine line public figures walk in India. 2. Deepika Padukone and 'Padmaavat' In 2017, 'Padmaavat' faced violent opposition even before its release. Deepika Padukone, who played Rani Padmavati, stated: 'We have not distorted history. Those who are protesting are doing it without watching the film.' Rajput groups, particularly the Karni Sena, were enraged, threatening violent action and vandalism. The controversy led to bans in several states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, until the Supreme Court intervened. The film was forced to change its name from 'Padmavati' to 'Padmaavat' and include disclaimers. 3. Naseeruddin Shah's 'Fear of Living' and the Fallout on 'A Wednesday' Although 'A Wednesday' had been released in 2008, Shah's later comments in 2018—"The death of a cow is given more importance than the death of a police officer"—provoked right-wing backlash. Social media erupted with demands to boycott his past and future work. His upcoming theatre performances and screenings of older films were temporarily cancelled in some cities. 4. Vishal Bhardwaj and 'Haider' In 2014, 'Haider', based on Kashmir's insurgency, drew controversy due to Bhardwaj's comments on the role of the Indian Army in Kashmir. Critics accused him of being "anti-national." There were protests in Jammu and threats to theatres, leading to limited release in the region. While Bhardwaj insisted the film was about human suffering and not politics, it did not prevent the storm. 5. Mansoor Khan and 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' (Retrospective) Though not a contemporary case, Mansoor Khan's candid remarks in a 2020 interview regarding how Bollywood had catered "too much to the North Indian audience" caused online backlash, with netizens revisiting his films and accusing him of regional bias—even though 'QSQT' was released decades earlier. This shows how even retrospective comments can trigger backlash in today's hyperconnected environment. The High Cost of Controversy The impact of such controversies isn't limited to hurt egos or trending hashtags. A ban or boycott—even if unofficial—translates into real losses. Producers often have to: Postpone release dates , affecting scheduling and promotions. Bear legal fees if court interventions are required. Edit content , leading to artistic compromise (as seen with 'Udta Punjab' and its 89 cuts originally demanded by the CBFC). Suffer regional revenue loss , especially in key markets like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. In the case of 'Thug Life', with its high-profile ensemble and multi-crore budget, even a partial ban could dent profits and impact its pan-India appeal. Kamal Haasan, a political figure and outspoken public intellectual, has had run-ins before, notably with 'Vishwaroopam' (2013), which was banned in Tamil Nadu. In an era of hyper-visibility, celebrities are always a soundbite away from controversy. Some argue this restricts free speech; others contend that with influence comes responsibility. Filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap have stood by controversial statements, while others, like Sanjay Leela Bhansali , have issued apologies to keep the peace. The 'Thug Life' episode is a stark reminder that in India, cinema is political. Language, religion, and regional identity are powerful triggers, and when a star speaks, the ripple effects reach millions. Until a middle ground is found, the industry will continue to navigate this uneasy terrain, where a single sentence can make or break a film's destiny. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
News18
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Sooraj Pancholi's Kesari Veer Being Sidelined? Karni Sena Makes Big Claims
Last Updated: Kesari Veer tells the story of unsung warriors who fought valiantly to protect the Somnath temple from invading forces. Sooraj Pancholi recently made his comeback with the movie Kesari Veer. Released on May 23, the historical drama pays tribute to Veer Hamirji Gohil, the brave warrior who defended the Somnath Temple against the Tughlaq Empire. However, it has received an underwhelming response and has earned hardly Rs 1 crore at the box office as of now. Amid all this, Karni Sena has claimed that the film might be getting sidelined. Recently, Karni Sena leader Dr Raj Shekhawat issued a strong statement and addressed film distributors and theatre owners. 'We, the audience and supporters of cinema, would like to ask all film distributors and theatre owners what objection do you have to giving Kesari Veer a prime-time slot? You've allotted it morning shows when viewer footfall is relatively low. Why is this historic film being sidelined in such a manner?" he said. Urging theatre owners to re-evaluate their scheduling, the Karni Sena leader added, 'There is still time to make a change. We urge you to contribute by giving this important film the visibility it deserves through prime-time shows. Otherwise, we may be compelled to take this issue to a public forum." He also appealed to the public to support the Sooraj Pancholi starrer by watching it in cinemas and said, 'At the same time, I appeal to the citizens of this country to go to theatres in large numbers and support Kesari Veer. The film is based on the valour of the great warrior Hamir Singh Gohil and those brave souls who sacrificed their lives to protect the sacred Somnath temple. Let us come together to support such films so that filmmakers are encouraged not discouraged to bring our heroic history to life on screen." Kesari Veer tells the story of unsung warriors who fought valiantly to protect the Somnath temple from invading forces. Besides Sooraj Pancholi, the film also stars Suniel Shetty as the fearless Vegda Ji. Debutant Akanksha Sharma takes on the role of the fierce Rajal, whereas Vivek Oberoi portrays the ruthless antagonist, Zafar. Directed by Prince Dhiman and produced by Kanubhai Chauhan under the Chauhan Studios banner, Kesari Veer is a Panorama Studios worldwide release. First Published:
Indian Express
24-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Explained: Story of ‘rat temple' near Bikaner, visited by PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (May 24) visited the Karni Mata temple in Deshnok, a small town about 30 km from Bikaner, Rajasthan. Dubbed the 'rat temple', this historical place of worship is famous for being the home to tens of thousands of kabas (rats), which are considered sacred and protected. Karni Mata, also known as Ridhi Kanwar or Ridhu Bai, is believed to have been a 14th–15th sage, and an incarnation of Goddess Durga. She is said to have been born in 1387 CE in the village of Suwap near Phalodi, about 100 km from Deshnok, into a Charan family. (Traditionally, Charans are bards, or court poets and genealogists.) It is said that Ridhi Kanwar was in her mother's womb for 21 months, and her coming was foretold by Goddess Durga herself, who appeared in her mother's dreams. Upon performing many miracles while growing up, Ridhi Kanwar was given the name Karni Mata. Historical details of Karni Mata's life are scant, and much of what is known about her comes from oral tradition and hagiographies, such as the Karni Mata Charitra, which portray her as a spiritual leader who performed miracles and supported rulers including Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur, and Rao Bika ji, the founder of Bikaner. It is said that both Jodhpur and Bikaner were established in 1459 and 1488, respectively, with Karni Mata's blessings. Her followers say she lived for 151 years, before her 'ascension' in 1538 AD. The present structure of the Karni Mata Temple was commissioned in the early 20th century by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. 'Karni Mata represents a blend of folk sainthood and goddess worship unique to western Rajasthan,' notes Prof Lindsey Harlan, in Religion and Rajput Women: The Ethic of Protection in Contemporary Narratives (University of California Press, 1992). Charans consider Karni Mata as not just a goddess but also as their kuldevi (tutelary deity). The priests at the Karni Mata temple have traditionally been Charans, who trace their lineage to her family. The community maintains custodianship of the temple. 'For the Charans, Karni Mata is not only divine but a blood relation, which reinforces their caste identity and social authority in the region' wrote Prof Ann Grodzins Gold, in Fruitful Journeys: The Ways of Rajasthani Pilgrims (University of California Press, 1988). Karni Mata is also deeply venerated by Rathore Rajputs, the dominant warrior caste in the region. Her blessings to Rao Jodha and Rao Bika, both Rathore kings, leads to many many Rajput clans in Rajasthan considering her their royal protector and family deity. 'The Karni Mata cult reflects the intertwining of folk sainthood with the political legitimisation of early Rajput kingdoms,' noted Prof Harlan. The first Karni Sena, the Shri Rajput Karni Sena (SRKS) which was created in 2006, derives its name from Karni Mata. Karni Mata is also worshipped by other castes, including the Meghwals and Malis. Her reputation as a just, miracle-working saint who protected her people transcends caste, and her temple offers equal access to devotees. Locally known as kabas, rats are believed to be incarnations of Karni Mata's family members. Legend has it that when her stepson Laxman, also known as Lakhan, drowned, Karni Mata asked Yama, the god of death, to revive him. Yama relented and allowed him and other members of her lineage to be reborn as rats, avoiding the cycle of death and rebirth. Other legends say that when Yamaraj said he was unable to do so, Karni Mata herself revived Lakhan and decreed that her family members would no longer die but be re-incarnated as rats. Hundreds of families living near the temple claim to be descendants of Karni Mata. This belief has transformed the rodents into holy beings: rats are considered to be Karni Mata's descendants, who will then take birth as humans, and then again as rats again in the temple, and so on. There are more beliefs surrounding the rats, one being that despite the presence of a large number of rats, there have been no diseases or infection; that their numbers have mostly stayed the same over the centuries; that there is no foul smell when they die; and that they don't leave the temple premises. The prasad touched by the rats is also considered sacred and followers say that it holds the power to cure ailments. Moreover, spotting a white rat is considered auspicious. The temple holds immense significance for the armed forces in the district bordering Pakistan. That said, the temple's association with the armed forces dates back to the pre-Independence era, long before Pakistan was on the map. Col Mahendra Singh Chandel (retd), recipient of Vishisht Seva Medal, said: 'Karni Mata has been a deity of the erstwhile Bikaner state's armed forces: the Karni Battalion, Sadul Infantry, Dungar Lancers, Vijay Battery and the Ganga Risala. Of these, the Sadul Infantry and Karni Battalion were converted into the 19 Rajput Battalion, which is still sometimes known as 19 Rajput Karni Battalion. Similarly, the Vijay Battery was merged into 41 Field Regiment Artillery and is still sometimes known as 41 Field Karni Regiment.' As part of the tradition, the Commanding Officers of the 19 Rajput Battalion visit the temple whenever they take over. And, during navratra, two non-commissioned officers (NCOs) are sent to the temple to make special offerings on behalf of the Battalion. Karni Mata is seen as a symbol of divine feminine power and is invoked for courage, protection and success, particularly by soldiers with Rajasthani roots. It is common for serving soldiers from the region to visit the temple in uniform, offer prayers, and seek blessings before joining field duty or deployment. 'Military reverence for Karni Mata reflects the traditional martial values of Rajputana, where deities are protectors and guardians in both spiritual and battlefield realms,' said Col R S Rathore (retd), in an interview published in the Journal of Indian Military History, 2015.
Indian Express
16-05-2025
- Indian Express
Man seen ‘chanting pro-Pak slogan' in video thrashed in Indore, arrested
A contractual worker from Indore was arrested late Thursday night after a video surfaced online allegedly showing him chanting pro-Pakistan slogans. The incident occurred in the Gandhi Nagar area. Police registered a case based on a complaint from the Karni Sena, whose members tracked the man down and thrashed him before handing him over to the police. The arrested man was identified as Mohammad Javed. In the video, Javed and two others are seen in a kitchen, one chopping watermelon while another shouts the pro-Pakistan slogans. The footage quickly went viral on social media, following which members of the local Karni Sena unit tracked down the man and slapped him multiple times. Police arrested Javed and launched a search for the other individuals seen in the video. A senior police officer said, 'We are on the lookout for the other accused in the case. The arrested accused had three identity cards. He has two Aadhaar cards in his name and we are investigating how he got them.'
Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Akhilesh tries to mend fences with Thakurs after row over SP MP's Rana Sanga remark
In an attempt to reach out to the Rajput community in the wake of an uproar over his party MP Ramji Lal Suman's remark against Rajput warrior-king Rana Sanga, Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav on Friday marked Maharana Pratap Jayanti (birth anniversary) and announced the Mewar ruler's 'grand statue' on the Gomti riverfront when his party comes to power. Suman, who termed Rana Sanga a 'traitor', has faced protests by the Karni Sena which was purportedly behind an attack at his residence. Sitting amidst Thakur leaders wearing saffron turbans at the party office in Lucknow, the SP chief also appealed to the Uttar Pradesh government to declare two-day holidays to mark Maharana Pratap's birth anniversary. The 'grand statue' will have a gold-plated sword, he said. The party has held meetings with Dalit and Brahmin leaders of late. Addressing the gathering of Rajput leaders and workers, SP leader and former minister Arvind Singh Gope claimed that during the SP's tenure in government, several community leaders were given important posts in the Union and state ministries. 'We should neither forget a favour nor an insult. The kind of respect and importance given to us during the SP regime cannot be given by anyone else,' said Gope, requesting the community to join hands to help SP form government in the 2027 Assembly elections and make Akhilesh chief minister. Akhilesh said he had announced a holiday to mark Maharana Pratap's anniversary during his tenure. Also, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also addressed an event to mark Maharana Pratap Jayanti in the presence of BJP's Rajput leaders like Dinesh Pratap Singh, Daya Shanker Singh and Mayankeshwar Pratap Singh. He said the lives of Maharana Pratap, Shivaji Maharaj and Guru Gobind Singh continue to inspire people even today with their fight against invaders. Maintaining that India needs to teach Pakistan a lesson following the Pahalgam terror attack, Adityanath said Pakistan is now struggling for existence because of its acts. 'See how shamelessly Pakistan's top armed force officers and politicians were at the funerals of terrorists. It must have opened the eyes of the entire world that Pakistan not only harbours and sponsors terrorism but it is directly involved in it,' said Adityanath.
