Five films that faced protests similar to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati'

Image Courtesy: Movie Stills

New Delhi: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus Padmavati is currently surrounded by a myriad of controversies. 

The movie, which is being called an epic historical drama, stars Deepika Padukone as Rajput queen Rani Padmavati, Shahid Kapoor as her husband Rawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin Khilji.

The movie is slated to release on December 1,2017, but has been mired in controversy over alleged distortion of facts.

Bhansali was attacked at the Jaipur set of the film by activists of Rajput organisation 'Shri Rajput Karni Sena'.

However, this isn't the first time that a movie has been amidst controversies even before its release. 

Here are five other films which faced controversies even before they were released:

Bajirao Mastani

This historical drama film was also helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali who faced problems with the film's release. The movie starred Ranveer Singh as Maratha Peshwa Bajirao, Deepika Padukone as Mastani and Priyanka Chopra as Kashibai.

SLB faced criticism from protestors over distortion of facts in name of creative expression. 
The song 'Pinga' was objected to by the descendants of the Peshwas, who claimed that Mastani and Kashibai never came across each other in the manner as shown in the film.

The movie released on December 18, 2015.

Jodhaa Akbar

Helmed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the movie revolved around Mughal emperor Akbar and Rajput Princess Jodhaa Bai's love story. The Shri Rajput Karni Sena had claimed that facts were incorrectly shown in the film.

Goliyon ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela

The title of the movie offended some people as it was based on the name 'Ram'.  An FIR against Sanjay Leela Bhansali (the director), Deepika Padukone (Leela) and Ranveer Singh (Ram) was also filed for the same. 

Udta Punjab

The problem in this movie wasn't its title, or alleged distortion of facts. The problem was the theme of the movie and makers were asked to make changes, altering any reference to Punjab in the movie. The movie was based on the excessive use of drung in Punjab and sparked numerous controversies. 
The movie was helmed by Abhishek Chaubey and starred Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh and Alia Bhatt in lead roles.

PK

Owing to the movie's take on religion, it was protested upon by various religious groups. However, once released, the movie was received positively by the audience.
PK told the story of an alien who comes to earth and gets stuck on the blue planet. His only way out, to his home planet is by finding his lost remote control so that he can call his friends. 

The movie was helmed by Rajkumar Hirani.