Maharaj 'Charan Seva' scene, Animal 'Lick my shoe' scene, Kabir Singh's 'slap' scene: 5 Bollywood movie scenes that courted controversies

Movies often push boundaries and tackle sensitive subjects, sometimes leading to significant controversies. These movie scenes not only provoked controversies but also ignited discussions on social, cultural, and ethical issues, highlighting the power of cinema to evoke strong emotions and reflections in its audiences. From Maharaj 'Charan Seva' scene, Animal 'Lick my shoe' scene to Kabir Singh's 'slap' scene; taking a look at FIVE movie scenes in recent times that courted controversies.

Shalini Pandey starred as Kishori in Malhotra P Siddharth's 'Maharaj,' with Jaideep Ahlawat playing the titular role. One scene, where Kishori performs charan seva for Maharaj, has sparked controversy for its depiction of exploitation. Shalini later revealed that the scene's impact hit her deeply, causing discomfort and anxiety. She initially viewed her character as naive but later understood the deeper societal conditioning behind Kishori's actions.

The Ranbir Kapoor-starrer 'Animal' broke multiple box office records in 2023, becoming one of the year's biggest hits. However, the film faced widespread criticism for its problematic portrayal throughout. While some praised it as a gripping film, many criticized director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for glorifying the patriarchal and misogynistic traits of Ranbir's character. One scene, in particular, where Ranvijay demands that Zoya, played by Triptii Dimri, lick his shoe to prove her loyalty after she is revealed as a mole, stirred significant controversy and was heavily condemned for its disturbing content.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga is no stranger to controversy, evident with two of his films making headlines. 'Kabir Singh' (2019) revitalized Shahid Kapoor's career and propelled Kiara Advani to stardom. Despite its popularity, the film faced significant criticism, particularly for a scene where Kabir slaps Preeti, portrayed by Kiara Advani, over perceived commitment issues. The entire film drew flak for its portrayal of male chauvinism, yet its box office success remained formidable.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmaavat' (2018) faced controversies from the start, with legal issues and set vandalism. The film, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, and Jim Sarbh, finally released in January 2018. The climax showed Deepika's Rani Padmavati and other women performing 'jauhar' (self-immolation) to avoid capture by Ranveer's Alauddin Khilji. Critics said it portrayed women as symbols of honor, sparking debate about gender roles and power dynamics in society.

Abhishek Chaubey's 'Udta Punjab' (2016), starring Shahid Kapoor, highlighted the devastating effects of drug abuse in Punjab. One scene in particular depicted Shahid Kapoor's character, Tommy Singh, struggling with his cocaine addiction. The film faced censorship challenges due to its raw portrayal of drug abuse, with some viewers finding the scenes too graphic. However, others argued that the film's explicit depiction was necessary to convey the harsh reality of the issue effectively.