Indian web series have gained immense popularity in recent years, but with fame often comes controversy. While many series have been praised for their storytelling and performances, others have sparked debates, legal actions, and even public outrage. One such series is ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,’ which has been in the spotlight since its release on Netflix on 29 August. However, this isn’t the first time an Indian web series has created a stir. Let’s take a look at some other Indian web series that have also faced major backlash.
1. ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack’
The latest in the line of controversial series, ‘IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack,’ directed by Anubhav Sinha, is based on the real-life hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight in December 1999. The series has faced criticism for allegedly distorting facts related to the incident. Viewers have claimed that the portrayal of events and characters is not entirely accurate, leading to calls for boycotting the series. In response, Netflix has announced that they will add a disclaimer to the series, clarifying the real identities of the terrorists involved.
2. ‘Tandav’
‘Tandav,’ a political drama released on Amazon Prime in 2021, found itself at the center of a major controversy. The series, starring Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, and Sunil Grover, among others, was accused of hurting religious sentiments and disrespecting the office of the Prime Minister. Several scenes were considered objectionable by viewers, leading to legal cases being filed in multiple states, including Uttar Pradesh. The makers eventually issued an apology and edited the controversial scenes, but the series remains a topic of heated discussion.
3. ‘Sacred Games 2’
‘Sacred Games 2,’ the second season of the popular Netflix series, also faced its share of controversy. The series, featuring Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Pankaj Tripathi, was accused of disrespecting Sikh sentiments. In one scene, Saif Ali Khan’s character is seen angrily throwing water on a bracelet given to him by his father, which was perceived as an insult to the Sikh religion. The scene led to protests and demands for its removal, though the series continued to be available on the platform.
4. ‘Ashram’
‘Ashram,’ a series directed by Prakash Jha and released on MX Player, sparked outrage for its portrayal of a fictional religious leader. Starring Bobby Deol as the lead, the series was accused of maligning Hinduism and presenting it in a negative light. The Bajrang Dal, a Hindu nationalist group, even vandalized the set of the series during the shoot of its second season. Despite the controversy, the series remains popular, but it has ignited debates about the portrayal of religious figures in Indian media.
5. ‘Mirzapur 2’
‘Mirzapur 2,’ the sequel to the highly successful ‘Mirzapur’ series on Amazon Prime, also faced legal trouble. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed against the series, claiming that it portrayed the city of Mirzapur as a hub of crime and violence, thereby damaging its reputation. The Supreme Court issued a notice in response to the PIL, and the case sparked discussions about the need for content regulation in Indian web series.
6. ‘Leila’
Another Netflix series, ‘Leila,’ directed by Deepa Mehta, faced backlash for its dystopian portrayal of India. Set in a future where a totalitarian regime has taken over, the series explores themes of religious and social oppression. Critics accused the series of being anti-Hindu and promoting a negative image of the country. Despite the controversy, ‘Leila’ received critical acclaim for its bold storytelling.
7. ‘Paatal Lok’
Produced by Anushka Sharma, ‘Paatal Lok’ on Amazon Prime was praised for its gritty portrayal of crime and corruption but also faced criticism for its depiction of certain communities. The series was accused of promoting casteism and stereotyping certain ethnic groups. Legal notices were sent to the producers, and there were calls to ban the series. However, it continued to stream on the platform and remains a popular show.
8. ‘A Suitable Boy’
‘A Suitable Boy,’ a BBC series available on Netflix, also became a subject of controversy in India. The series was criticized for a scene depicting a Muslim boy and a Hindu girl kissing in a temple, which led to accusations of hurting religious sentiments. The controversy escalated to the point where police complaints were filed against the makers, and there were demands to remove the scene from the series.
9. ‘Lust Stories’
‘Lust Stories,’ an anthology film on Netflix, stirred controversy due to its bold portrayal of women’s sexuality. One particular segment, directed by Karan Johar, featured a scene involving a woman using a sex toy, which was considered inappropriate by many viewers. The series sparked debates about the depiction of sexual content in Indian cinema and the boundaries of creative expression.
10. ‘The Family Man 2’
‘The Family Man 2,’ starring Manoj Bajpayee, faced backlash for its portrayal of Tamil rebels. The series was accused of showing the Tamil Eelam movement in a negative light, leading to protests in Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu government even requested a ban on the series, but it was eventually released after some edits were made.
These controversies highlight the delicate balance that creators of Indian web series must strike between artistic expression and sensitivity to cultural and religious sentiments. While these series have faced significant challenges, they also underscore the power of storytelling to provoke thought, discussion, and, sometimes, outrage. As the popularity of web series continues to grow, it remains to be seen how future creators will navigate this complex landscape.
