As we approach the conclusion of 2023 and prepare to embrace 2024, it is worth reflecting upon the significant controversies that have captured our attention this year. From scrutinizing celebrities for their specific comments to engaging in divisive discussions about a particular film, 2023 has certainly witnessed its fair share of controversies.
In summary, as we conclude 2023, let us reflect on the significant controversies that stirred up discussions on social media. From the controversy surrounding the dialogues in ‘Adipurush’ to the concerning issue of deepfake videos, here’s a recap of the events. Another topic that sparked debates was the song ‘Besharam Rang’ from the movie ‘Pathaan.’ While there is much to celebrate in the world of cinema this year, including blockbuster releases and India’s Oscar win, it is worth noting that multiple controversies also captured people’s attention. From the heated discussions surrounding the song ‘Besharam Rang’ to the controversy surrounding Rashmika Mandanna’s deepfake video, these incidents generated a significant amount of online chatter. Let’s take a quick glimpse at some of the top controversies of the year.
The dialogues of Om Raut’s mythological drama ‘Adipurush’ sparked controversy online as fans heavily criticized them. The film, which is an adaptation of the epic ‘The Ramayana’, stars Prabhas, Kriti Sanon, and Saif Ali Khan in the lead roles. Apart from the dialogues, which were penned by Manoj Muntashir, the movie received criticism for its lackluster performances, poor screenplay, and VFX.
The remarks made by Alia Bhatt during an interview sparked a wave of trolling towards her husband, Ranbir Kapoor. In August 2023, the acclaimed actor, while giving a tutorial on applying lipstick for Vogue, mentioned that her husband prefers her natural lip shade and had previously asked her to remove her lipstick.
During the video, Alia can be heard saying, “When we used to go out at night, my husband [back when he was my boyfriend as well] would tell me, ‘Wipe that [lipstick] off. Wipe that off.’ Because he loves the natural color of my lips.”
Bhatt’s remarks sparked a social media frenzy, with users mercilessly trolling Ranbir for his comment. Many even labeled him a ‘toxic’ partner. The ‘Animal’ actor addressed the trolling during his virtual interaction with fans on Zoom, stating, “Recently, I came across an article discussing toxicity and a statement I made. I comprehend this and stand with those fighting against toxic masculinity. If they choose to use me as a symbol, that’s acceptable because their cause extends beyond my personal feelings about their opinion. I consider the broader perspective.”
In the past year, not only were there controversies surrounding films, but there was also a disturbing revelation about the dark side of technology. The emergence of viral AI deepfake videos featuring various celebrities caused a stir among both fans and the stars themselves. The first prominent figure from the film industry to be targeted by this technology was Rashmika Mandanna.
Unfortunately, the problem escalated and several other Bollywood A-listers, including Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, and Kajol, also became victims of these deepfake videos. This issue caught the attention of not only fans but also influential figures in the industry like Amitabh Bachchan and Vijay Deverakonda. They emphasized the need for preventive and corrective measures to address this growing menace.