Getting certified is usually the last step before a film reaches audiences. However, public reactions after release may pose new challenges for filmmakers. In some cases, films showing in cinemas were changed after objections were raised by audiences, community groups or organisations.Over the years, several Indian films have changed hands after their release due to controversies and strong public response.
‘Peddi’ faced backlash for its portrayal of characters
One of the most recent examples is Buchi Babu Sana’s ‘Peddi’ starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor. After the release, sections of the audience criticized Janhvi Kapoor’s portrayal of the character Achiyamma.
राम चारन में ‘Peddi’
Several viewers objected to certain scenes, dialogue and camera angles. Controversy also arose over sequences perceived as non-consensual romantic behavior. As criticism spread online, Buchi Babu Sana apologized to viewers who felt uncomfortable and confirmed that changes would be made to the theatrical version.
Jagapathi Babu responds to ‘Peddi’ controversy
Actor Jagapathi Babu later defended Janhvi Kapoor and asked the audience not to blame the actresses for creative decisions.Speaking to Telugu360 Digital, he said, “As an artiste, the only thing I would say is please don’t target the actress. It’s unfair to go after that girl. We don’t know what her personal views were or if she agreed with all the creative decisions.”He further added, “It’s not like she pushed herself. She did what the director asked. When an actor signs up and trusts a director’s vision, they follow that vision. We do what the director tells us. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. He (Buchi Babu) may have his reasons. I support Janhvi on that.”
Janhvi Kapoor in ‘Peddi’
He also said, “if you like the movie or not, comment on the movie. But don’t single out an artist, troll or cause mental anguish.”
‘Empuraan’ and ‘Vada Chennai’ made revisions
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s third directorial ‘L2: Empuraan’ also became a talking point after its release. The Mohanlal starrer faced criticism over certain scenes and references, sparking a wide-ranging debate.The makers later revised the film, with reports in The Indian Express stating that several scenes and dialogues had been changed. Addressing the controversy, Prithviraj said the film was not meant to be a political statement.He told Manorama Online: “I will never make a film just to make a political statement. I don’t need to invest millions and make a film to announce my political stance. In today’s digital age, broadcasting a statement on social media is often enough. As I am true to myself, and I have that conviction within me, I don’t think I have to fear anyone or feel sad.”He also said: “When someone comments on something related to politics or social issues, one group can paint him as a villain while another portrays him as a hero. Both are dangerous. Your words can be taken far from their original meaning. In such cases, it is not wrong to remain silent.”Similarly, Vetrimaaran and Dhanush’s ‘Vada Chennai’ underwent changes after members of the North Chennai fishing community objected to a sequence involving a fishing boat. After the backlash, the filmmaker apologized and removed the scene.
Abhinav Sunder Nayak on the impact of film cuts
‘Mollywood Times’ director Abhinav Sunder Nayak shared his perspective on the matter in an interview with ETimes.Referring to Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’, he told us: “I can’t say whether the censoring of explicit sequences in the film hindered my experience because I haven’t seen the full version yet. From what I’ve seen of the censored version of ‘Oppenheimer’, I think Christopher Nolan wanted to explore a lot of what Robert Oppenheim Nolan could have done J. as a film that emphasizes character analysis.”He added: “If those essential sequences are removed from the film, how can one live out what the director wanted to convey?”
“Indian 2” was edited after audience feedback
Not all post-publication changes are caused by controversy. An example of this is director Shankar’s ‘Indian 2’, which was edited after audience feedback on its length and pacing.OTT Play reports that after the film’s release, audiences and critics expressed concern about its longevity. The film also received a lot of criticism and some even said that the sequel was unnecessary, as the first part is still considered a classic.In response to the feedback, the makers cut parts of the film and released an updated version in theatres.
