Obtaining certification is usually the last step before a film reaches the audience. However, public backlash after release can sometimes create new challenges for filmmakers.
In many cases, films already shown in theaters underwent changes after viewers, community groups or organizations raised objections.Over the years, many Hindi films have been changed after their release due to controversy and strong public reactions.
“Peddi” faced backlash over the portrayal of the character
One of the latest examples is Buchi Babu Sana’s film Peddi, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor. After its release, sections of the audience criticized the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Achiyama.
“Beddy” in the ram car
Many viewers objected to some scenes, dialogues and camera angles. Discussions also emerged about sequences that were seen as romanticizing non-consensual behaviour. As criticism spread online, Buchi Babu Sana apologized to the audience who felt uncomfortable and assured that changes would be made to the theatrical version.
Jagapathi Babu responds to ‘Peddi’ controversy.
Actor Jagapathi Babu later defended Janhvi Kapoor and urged viewers not to blame actors for creative decisions.Speaking to Telugu360 Digital, he said, “As an artiste, the only thing I would say is please don’t target the actor. It is unfair to go after that girl. We don’t know what her personal views are or whether she agreed with every creative decision.”He also added, “It’s not like she pushed for it herself. She did what the director asked her to do. When an actor signs up to a director’s vision and trusts her, he follows that vision. We do what the director tells us. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. He (Buchi Babu) may have his own reasons. I support Jhanvi on this issue.”
“Beddi” in Janhvi Kapoor
He also said, “If you like the movie or don’t like it, comment on it. But don’t single out an artist or troll him or give him mental disorder.”
‘Empuraan’ and ‘Vada Chennai’ have undergone revisions
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s third directorial film ‘L2: Empuraan’ also became a subject of controversy after its release. The Mohanlal starrer faced criticism for certain scenes and references, leading to widespread controversy.The makers subsequently revised the film, with reports from The Indian Express indicating that several scenes and dialogues were edited out. Speaking about the controversy, Prithviraj maintained that 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 declare my political stance. In today’s digital age, making a statement on social media is often enough. As long as I’m true to myself, and have this conviction inside me, I don’t think I need to be afraid of anyone or feel sad.”He added: “When someone comments on something related to politics or social affairs, one group may portray him as a villain while another portrays him as a hero. Both are dangerous. Your words can be taken away from their original meaning. At such times, silence is not wrong.”
Likewise, Vetrimaaran and Dhanush’s ‘Vada Chennai’ underwent changes after members of the fishing community in north Chennai objected to a sequence involving a fishing boat. After the backlash, the director apologized and removed the scene.
Abhinav Sunder Nayak talks about the impact of film cuts
Mollywood Times director Abhinav Sunder Nayak shared his view on the issue during a conversation with ETimes.Referring to Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, he told us: “I can’t come to a conclusion on whether the censorship of the explicit scenes in the film hampered 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 more about the fact that J. Robert Oppenheimer was a womanizer, and the inclusion of those explicit scenes could have been successful.” The film focuses on character study.He added: “If those pivotal scenes were cut from the film, how can one experience what the director intended to convey?”
‘Indian 2’ was edited after audience feedback
Not all post-release changes play due to disagreements. Director Shankar’s “Indian 2” is an example of a film that was edited after audience feedback regarding its runtime and pacing.
As reported by OTT Play, after the film’s release, viewers and critics expressed concerns about its length. The film also received a lot of criticism, with some even saying that the sequel was unnecessary because the first part is still considered a classic.In response to the comments, the makers cut parts of the film and released an updated version in theatres.