Film, Theatre, and Media

Parkash Singh Badal, the then Chief Minister of Punjab, vehemently opposed the release of 'Udta Punjab', claiming that it portrayed the state in a negative light and would harm its reputation. The film eventually faced multiple legal challenges and cuts before being allowed for release.

Uri: The Surgical Strike, directed by Aditya Dhar, faced criticism for its portrayal of the 2016 Uri attack. Some critics argued that the film glorified the attack and promoted a jingoistic narrative, while others defended it as a patriotic tribute to the Indian armed forces.

Shah Rukh Khan played the lead role in 'My Name Is Khan', which sparked a diplomatic row between India and Pakistan. The film's portrayal of Pakistani characters and its handling of sensitive political issues drew criticism from both sides of the border.

Shuddh Desi Romance, directed by Maneesh Sharma, faced a ban in several states due to its portrayal of homosexuality. The film's depiction of a same-sex kiss between two male characters drew criticism from conservative groups, leading to its ban in some states.

Rajkumar Hirani directed 'PK', which faced protests and calls for a ban due to its alleged blasphemy against Hindu deities. The film's satirical portrayal of religious practices and beliefs drew criticism from some religious groups, leading to protests and demands for its ban.

Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, directed by Krish Jagarlamudi, faced controversy due to its alleged distortion of historical facts and glorification of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The film's portrayal of Rani Laxmibai, a historical figure, was criticized for being politically motivated and inaccurate.

Sidharth Malhotra played the lead role in 'Shershaah', which sparked a debate about the portrayal of the Indian military in films. The film's depiction of the Kargil War and the sacrifice of Captain Vikram Batra drew criticism from some military veterans who argued that it glorified war and did not accurately portray the realities of military life.

Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva, directed by Ayan Mukerji, faced protests and calls for a ban due to its alleged portrayal of a Hindu deity in a negative light. The film's depiction of the character Junoon, played by Mouni Roy, drew criticism from some Hindu groups who argued that it was disrespectful to the deity.

Shah Rukh Khan played the lead role in 'Pathaan', which sparked a controversy due to its alleged portrayal of a Pakistani spy in a positive light. The film's depiction of the character Jim, played by John Abraham, drew criticism from some groups who argued that it was disrespectful to the Indian armed forces.

Adipurush, directed by Om Raut, faced legal challenges and calls for a ban due to its alleged portrayal of a controversial historical figure. The film's depiction of the Hindu deity Lord Rama, played by Prabhas, drew criticism from some Hindu groups who argued that it was inaccurate and disrespectful to the deity.

Ankur (1974), directed by Shyam Benegal, is often regarded as a groundbreaking film that challenged traditional gender roles and depicted a woman's struggle for independence.

During this period, women were often depicted as submissive and dependent on men, reinforcing traditional gender roles and societal expectations.

Mughal-e-Azam (1960) features Anarkali, a courtesan who defies societal expectations and pursues her love for Prince Salim, challenging traditional gender roles.

Damini (1993) addresses the issue of dowry and its devastating consequences, highlighting the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society.

Contemporary Indian cinema has seen a growing number of films that challenge traditional gender roles, promote female empowerment, and explore women's perspectives and experiences, contributing to a more nuanced and diverse portrayal of women.