Biggest Bollywood Controversies of 2024: The Bollywood industry is no stranger to controversy, and 2024 was a year filled with enormous debates, high-profile clashes, and industry-changing incidents.

From public offshoots and legal battles to cultural errors on international platforms, Bollywood’s journey this year was anything but quiet. Here’s a comprehensive look at the major controversies that took place in Bollywood in 2024.

Box Office Clash 

A notable release date clash between two blockbuster films marked Bollywood giants against each other, dividing fans and even the film fraternity. The competition led to fan wars on social media, mixed reviews, and reports of theater cancellations.

This controversy underlined the ongoing battle between art and commerce in Bollywood, revealing how critical release dates are for a film’s success.

Streaming Rights Misconduct 

The OTT boom brought intense competition for exclusive streaming rights, but one production house stirred up trouble by breaking an exclusivity agreement with a streaming platform.

This move led to lawsuits, industry-wide criticism, and discussions on ethics in digital film distribution. The case highlighted Bollywood’s struggle to navigate the complex world of OTT contracts and fair play in the digital age.

Public Feuds and Social Media Drama 

Feuds between Bollywood stars played out publicly, with two leading actors engaging in an online spat over alleged betrayals for a desired film role. Fans quickly took sides, creating viral hashtags and increasing the feud. The spectacle made people question if these conflicts were genuine or part of arranged publicity.

Casting Couch Claims Appear Again 

Casting couch accusations resurfaced in 2024, with an actress sharing her experiences, which encouraged others to speak up. Major industry figures faced allegations, reigniting the #MeToo conversation within Bollywood. The scandal put a spotlight back on workplace safety and respect in the film industry.

Controversial Biopics Stir Debate 

Biopics have long captivated Bollywood, but this year saw controversies around political figures’ portrayals. Two films were accused of twisting historical facts, sparking debates on the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers in depicting real-life events. Critics called for clearer guidelines on biopics, while others defended the films as artistic interpretations.

Casting Controversies in Historical and Literary Films 

Several high-profile Bollywood films faced criticism for casting decisions that audiences felt categorized star power over talent. A historical film drew criticism for casting a popular commercial actor in a shaddy role, leading to calls for more thoughtful casting choices that value character suitability over celebrity appeal.

Reality Show Meltdowns 

Bollywood’s attempt at reality shows was a hit when a celebrity-centered show faced comebacks for alleged unethical production practices. Several participants exited the show, citing a lack of privacy and intense trolling. Ex-participants’ revelations questioned the sustainability of Bollywood’s reality TV ventures, and the pressure placed on participants.

Leaked Contracts and Industry Resentment 

A hacking incident that exposed confidential contracts, actor fees, and production costs stirred up the Bollywood ecosystem. Smaller industry players voiced displeasure at the pay disparities, while the public got a rare look into the extreme costs of Bollywood blockbusters. This leak led to conversations on privacy, income inequality, and the transparency of Bollywood’s financial practices.

Debate on Remakes and Lack of Originality 

Bollywood’s frequent remakes faced heavy criticism when an adaptation of a popular South Korean thriller failed to impress. Fans criticized Bollywood’s reliance on remakes, sparking debates on the need for fresh storytelling and creative risks. The incident underscored Bollywood’s need for innovation and original content.

Censorship Struggles and Freedom of Expression 

A highly anticipated film tackling sensitive social issues faced cuts from the Censor Board, leading to a legal dispute with the filmmakers. The censorship controversy spurred debates on creative freedom, with calls for updated and more progressive certification processes that support filmmakers’ visions while respecting audience sensitivities.

Content Writer – Gaurika Sharma