Receiving certification is usually the final step before a film reaches audiences. However, public reactions after release can sometimes create fresh challenges for filmmakers. In several cases, movies that were already playing in theatres underwent changes after viewers, community groups or organisations raised objections.Over the years, several Indian films have been altered after release due to controversies and strong public responses.
‘Peddi’ faced backlash over character portrayal
One of the most recent examples is Buchi Babu Sana’s ‘Peddi’, starring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor. Following its release, sections of the audience criticised the portrayal of Janhvi Kapoor’s character, Achiyamma.
‘पेद्दी’ में राम चरण
Several viewers objected to certain scenes, dialogues and camera angles. Discussions also emerged around sequences that were perceived as romanticising non-consensual behaviour. As criticism spread online, Buchi Babu Sana apologised to audiences 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 urged viewers not to blame actors for creative decisions.Speaking to Telugu360 Digital, he said, “As an artist, the only thing I would say is please don’t target the actor. It’s unfair to go after that girl. We don’t know what her personal views were or whether she agreed with every creative decision.”He further added, “It’s not as if she pushed for it herself. She did what the director asked her to do. When an actor signs on 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 own reasons. I support Janhvi in this matter.”
‘पेद्दी’ में जान्हवी कपूर
He also said, “If you like or dislike the film, comment on the film. But don’t single out an artist, troll them, or cause them mental distress.”
‘Empuraan’ and ‘Vada Chennai’ underwent revisions
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s third directorial ‘L2: Empuraan’ also became the subject of controversy after release. The Mohanlal starrer faced criticism over certain scenes and references, leading to widespread debate.The makers subsequently revised the film, with reports from The Indian Express indicating that several scenes and dialogues were modified. Addressing the controversy, Prithviraj maintained that the film was not intended as a political statement.He told Manorama Online, “I will never do a film simply to make a political statement. I don’t need to invest crores and make a movie to announce my political stance. In today’s digital age, issuing a statement on social media is often sufficient. As long as I am true to myself, and I have that conviction within me, I do not think I need to be afraid of anyone nor feel sad.”He further said, “When someone comments on something related to politics or social affairs, one group may paint them as a villain while another portrays them as a hero. Both are dangerous. Your words can be taken far away from their original meaning. In such times, staying silent is not wrong.”Similarly, Vetrimaaran and Dhanush’s ‘Vada Chennai’ underwent alterations after members of the North Chennai fishing community objected to a sequence involving a fishing boat. Following the backlash, the filmmaker apologised and removed the scene.
Abhinav Sunder Nayak on the impact of film cuts
‘Mollywood Times’ director Abhinav Sunder Nayak shared his perspective on the issue during a conversation with ETimes.Referring to Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’, he told us, “I cannot arrive at a conclusion whether the censorship of the explicit sequences in the movie has hampered my experience as I have not watched the full version yet. From what I saw from the censored version of ‘Oppenheimer’, I think Christopher Nolan wanted to explore much into the fact that J Robert Oppenheimer was a womanizer, and the inclusion of those explicit sequences could have worked well as the movie lays emphasis on character study.”He added, “If those pivotal sequences are cut away from the movie then how can one experience what the director intended to convey?.”
‘Indian 2’ was edited after audience feedback
Not all post-release changes are triggered by controversies. 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 movie had also received much criticisms and some even said that the sequel was an unnecessary one as the first part is still considered a classic.Responding to the feedback, the makers trimmed portions of the film and released an updated version in theatres.
